Steady

The armor of God

Paul names six pieces: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, and then calls for prayer.

Ephesians 6:10–18

Berean Standard Bible

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,15and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

King James Version

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The six pieces, with related verses

  1. Belt of truth · John 8:32

    Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

  2. Breastplate of righteousness · Isaiah 59:17

    He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.

  3. Shoes of the gospel of peace · Isaiah 52:7

    How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

  4. Shield of faith · Hebrews 11:1

    Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.

  5. Helmet of salvation · 1 Thessalonians 5:8

    But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.

  6. Sword of the Spirit · Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Questions

How many pieces are in the armor of God?

Six: belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet and sword. Paul then adds prayer “at all times” (Ephesians 6:18).

Where is the armor of God in the Bible?

Ephesians 6:10–18. Isaiah 59:17 pictures God Himself wearing righteousness as a breastplate and salvation as a helmet.

Which piece is used to attack?

Only the sword of the Spirit, “which is the word of God.” The rest protect.

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