LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

EXEGETICAL PAPER

EPHESIANS 6:10-20

A PAPER SUBMITTED TO DR. LUCAS

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

THE COURSE NBST 652 HERMENEUTICS

LIBERTY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

BY

KELLY TODD

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2012

CONTENTS

OBSESERVATIONS1

MAIN IDEA3

OUTLINE3

INTRODUCTION4

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTENT5

LITERARY CONTEXT6..............................................................................................................................................

CONTENT7

The Offensive Comes From God7

The Defensive Comes From God7

The Battle is Vast8

The Armor of God is for Protection8

The Alert Believer Prays11

APPLICATION15

BIBLIOGRAPHY13

1

OBSERVATIONS

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that

you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and

blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and

against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of

God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you

have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your

waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the

readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of

faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of

salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in

mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that

whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of

the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I

should.

Authorial References1. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood (v.12)2. Pray also for me (v. 19)3. whenever I speak (v. 19)4. so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (v. 19)5. for which I am an ambassador in chains (v. 20)6. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly (v. 20)7. as I should. (v. 20)

Recipient Refrences8. , so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (v. 11)9. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, (v. 12)10. you may be able to stand your ground (v. 13)11. after you have done everything (v. 13)12. with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (v. 14)

13. and with your feet fitted with the readiness (v. 15)14. with which you can extinguish (v. 16)

Comparisons /Contrasts16. Contrast between physical and spiritual struggles. (v. 12)17. Contrast between the shield of faith and flaming arrow (v. 16)

Cause and Effect18. {Cause}Put on the full armor of God,{Effect} stand against the devil’s schemes. (v. 11)19. {Cause} Put on the armor of God, {Effect}standing your ground. (v. 13)20. {Cause} take up shield of faith {effect} extinguish flaming arrows from the devil. (v. 16)21. {Cause} pray for me {Effect} make known the mystery of the Gospel (v. 19)

Lists22. Flesh, blood, rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil. (v. 12)23. belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness, shield of faith, of salvation, sword of the Spirit (v. 14-17)24. Things to pray for - all kinds of prayers and requests, the Lord’s people, words may be given me, declare it fearlessly. (v. 18-20)

Conjunctions25. And (vs. 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 18)26.So (vs. 11, 13, 19)27. For (vs. 12, 13, 20)28. But (vs. 12)

Conclusion29. So that (v. 11)30. Therefore (v. 13)31. So that (v. 13)32. So that (v. 19)33. As I should (v. 20)

Key terms and Phrases34. Finally (vs. 10)35. Strength (vs.10)36. Might (vs.10) 37. Armor (vs. 11, 13)38. Schemes (vs. 11)39. Put on the full armor of God (vs. 11, 13)40. Everything (v. 13)41. belt of truth (vs. 14)42. breastplate of righteousness (vs. 14)43. feet fitted (vs. 15)44. gospel of peace (vs. 15)45. shield of faith (vs. 16)46. flaming arrows (vs. 16)47. helmet of salvation (vs. 17)48. sword of the Spirit (vs. 17)49.Word of God (vs. 17)

Reference to the Trinity50. Lord - where strength comes from (v. 10)51. Him - source of might power (v. 10)52. God - source of armor (v. 11)53. God - source of all the armor (v. 13)54. Spirit - source of defense (v. 17)55. God - source of the word (v. 17)56. Spirit - power of prayer (v.18)57. Lord's - ownership of believers (v. 18)

Verbs58. Be strong (vs. 10)59. Put on (vs. 11, 13)60. Take (vs. 11, 17)61. Struggle (vs. 12)62. Come (vs. 13)63. Stand (vs. 13, 13, 14)64. Have done (vs. 13)65. Fitted (vs. 15)66. Take up (vs. 16)67. Extinguish (vs. 16)68. Pray (vs. 18, 19)69. Be alert (vs. 18)70. Speak (vs. 19)71. Declare (vs. 20)

MAIN IDEA

God makes provision for believers to advance the mystery of the Gospel.

OUTLINEI. The Offensive comes from God (10) -The Power of God Advances the Believer in Battle

II. The Defensive comes God (11)- The Armor enables the Believer to hold Position

III. The Battle is Vast (12)

A. The Battle is not Flesh - nothing we are able to battle alone

B. The Battle is Supernatural - Powerful, numerous, prepared, and Evil

IV. The Armor of God is for protection (13-17)

A. All parts are required to Stand Firm vs 13

B. Belt of Truth14 - Holds the armor together

C. Breast Plate of Righteousness 14 - Protects vital areas of life -Heart

D. Shoes Gospel of Peace 15 - Moves the Believer

E. Shield of Faith 16 - Protection to hide behind

F. Helmet of Salvation 17 - Protects the Mind

G. Sword of the Spirit 17 - The Word of God - Offensive and Defensive

V. The Alert Believer Prays (18 -20)

A. Prays in the Spirit 18

1. All the time

2. All types of Prayers

3. All Believers

B. Prays the Gospel Will move forward 19-20

1. Presented Clearly

2. Presented Fearlessly

INTRODUCTION

Christians face false teaching daily; we are told to trust ourselves, we are told we are

capable of doing anything we set your mind too or if you want something, go get it. The problem

is that believers make decisions without preparation. They do not depend on God to defend and

protect them. However, the worst of the matter is they wonder why they are beat down, facing

difficulty in life and then they cry out to God.

An abundance of materials exists relating to the Armor of God. Often the material focus

is battling spiritual darkens with the armor. Until recently, this author looked at Ephesians 6:10-

17 as the primary passage of fighting spiritual warfare. The believer needs the armor to face life

and its challenges. In addition, prayer must be a part of the fight the believer.

When the believer leaves God out of the spiritual life, he has not prepared for the battle.

The believer has not offence, defense or communion for the spiritual battle. The focus of life

becomes selfish and conceited; the gospel is forsaken. The gospel is a way of life worth living

and God prepares the believer and make provision to fight the spiritual battles that approach.

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT

Nearly all Christians believe the apostle Paul wrote the letter of Ephesians. However, the

authorship of this letter has come into question by German scholars from the 1820's who

introduced destructive biblical criticism that cast doubt on Paul's authorship.1 The critiques

examined styles, linguistics, historic evidence and literary comparisons with other Pauline letters.

This resulted in inadequate proof to depart from the conservative biblical precedent.2

The argument to refute Pauline authorship relating to style and linguistics examines the

use of words. Markus Barth believes the style is not Paul's, as it lacks of passion.3 Unfamiliar

word are used and familiar words are not used. These arguments seem inane, as any author of

Paul's intelligence would use a variety of words and styles to fit the circumstances addressed.

Another argument uses historical evidence of Paul's relationship with the Ephesians. The

historical account in Acts20: 17-38 identifies an intimate relationship with the Ephesians. Those

who oppose Paul's authorship of Ephesians state the letter is impersonal and does not reflect an

intimate relationship. While Ephesians is impersonal, this argument is speculation. Stott suggest

a possibility that Paul was addressing a group of Ephesians church, yet that too is speculation.4

While the letter is addressed to Ephesus, a few scholars disagree. The words, 'in Ephesus'

are missing from a few older manuscripts.5 Of the few plausible explanations, it still makes no

difference. A majority of texts use the words 'in Ephesus' and no other manuscript offers another

recipient. In addition, the early church recognized the recipient as Ephesus and early church

1 Stott, John R. W.. The message of Ephesians: God's new society. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1986), 17.2 Constable, Thomas L., Dr. Constables Notes on Ephesians 2012 Edition. (http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/ephesians.pdf, (Accessed 2/29/2012), 1.3 Stott, John R. W.. The message of Ephesians: God's new society. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1986), 17.4 Ibid, 18.5 Boice, James Montgomery. Ephesians: an expositional commentary. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1998), 2.

fathers recognized the author and recipient as most believers do to this day.6

Ephesians is identified as a prison epistle. Paul states, he is a "prisoner of Jesus Christ"

(3:1) and an "ambassador for Christ in a chain" (6:20). Looking at historical context from Acts

28 and Ephesians, this places Paul under house arrest in Rome between A. D. 61 and 63.7

The city of Ephesus was on the Cayster River three miles from the Aegean Sea. The

Cayster River was navigable to an ancient harbor at the edge of the city. Because of its excellent

harbor, connecting roads to the know world, it was a large and prosperous during the lifetime of

Paul.8 In addition to being a major center for commerce, Ephesus was known for its temple to

Artemis or Diana the fertility goddess. This temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World,

because of its size and elaborate decorations. Many who accepted Christ burned their sorcery

scrolls (Acts 19:19). In addition, a riot broke out over the poor sales of the silver idols of Diana

as a result of the Gospels power.

Paul's relationship with the Ephesians was deep as he spent three years ministering to

them and the surrounding country. He understood the battle's the church faced living in a

religious city that fought against the true God. Some suggest the lack of personal content attests

to another writer, however, considering the troubles the Ephesians faced, this letter addresses the

needs of Ephesians and the church today.

LITERARY CONTEXT

The letter of Ephesians deals with two primary segments doctrine and exhortation. Before

Paul teaches the church how to deal with the spiritual battle, he prepares them by dealing with

the physical battle in relationships. The church at Ephesus needed to understand the importance

6 Ibid, 3.7 Exell, Joseph S.. The Biblical illustrator: Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians. 23 vol. ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978), xi.8 Miller, H. S.. The Book of Ephesians. (Houghton, NY: The Word Bearer Press, 1931), 7.

of unity among other believers, without unity the evil forces of this world will quickly divide the

church. The armor of God is the final exhortation to the Ephesians as they fight the spiritual

battle through prayer.

CONTENT

The Offensive Comes From God

The last three chapters of Ephesians lead up to Paul's final exhortation preparing the

believers of Ephesus for spiritual warfare. He begins this final exhortation with finally meaning,

the remainder or the rest.9 Everything said to this point rest on these final words of Paul. Even

with the unity in Christ and unity of the fellowship, they must rely on the mighty power of God

to fight spiritual battles.

When the believer attempts to fight spiritual battles in their own power, they are being

disobedient. The believer is given a command to access strength from God and no one else. "We

are to be strong in what He is and also in what He has."10 There is no other who has His strength

or might. It is the power of God that advances the believer into battle.

The Defensive Comes From God

While the believer needs to rely fully on the power of God for strength, they must also be

equipped to defend themselves. The armor of God is identified as that which enables the believer

to stand against the enemy. The believer is commanded to put on the full armor of God, nothing

is to be missing.11 The complete armor of God will enable the believer to not lose ground but to

stand.

Paul slowly reveals what the believer is to stand against. In verse 11, he simply says the

devil's schemes. The devil has a plan that is crafty, cunning and deceitful. The devil takes many 9 Ibid, 220.10 Ibid, 221.11 Erdman, Charles R.. The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1966), 122.

forms; his attacks are dangerous and often under estimated.12 When the believer does not where

the armor of God they are open temptation and being seduced.

The Battle is Vast

It is clear there is an offense and defense against the devil and that the believer must be

prepared. Therefore, Paul moves forward in his exhortation to explain the extent of the battle.

The battle is vast and the believer must not become distracted. The believer can become

distracted by the physical when the battle is with the spiritual. That is not to say the believer does

not struggle with flesh and blood. There is a battle on a higher level that is invisible against the

devil and his forces.13

The second half of verse twelve brings an interesting group of word to the text that

describe the those involved in the spiritual warfare. Some authors took no value in the words

used by Paul to describe the spiritual forces. Others looked at the basic meaning and presented

excellent thoughts of the enemy. It can be seen these forces are numerous, prepared, powerful

and evil. Boice mentions the difference between rulers and authorities. Rulers are in charge of

numerous groups of forces, similar to that of a president or king. Authorities are in charge of

smaller groups, but have power over them. It would seem the powers of darkens have divisions

to separate and control their forces.14 Their presence is on the earth and the air; wherever man is,

evil forces are there to battle. They are labeled evil, meaning they have evil purposes and desires.

The Armor of God is for Protection

As this passage progresses Paul repeats the same statement again, "Put on the full armor

of God." A repeated statement is worth recognizing its importance. Not only is this a command,

12 Stott, John R. W.. The message of Ephesians: God's new society. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1986), 265.13 Boice, James Montgomery. Ephesians: an expositional commentary.( Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1998), 226.14 Ibid, 227.

but it is a reminder to not go into battle without a piece missing. The soldier needs full protection

from the enemy and will have that protection if, he is fully covered. Another thing to note is that

there are no interchangeable parts. Only God's armor that will protect, no other armor is worthy

or approved for battle.

Great importance is stressed on the believer to stand. This word is used four times in this

passage and twice in verse 13. The believer cannot stand on his own he needs the armor of God.

Without the armor of God, the believer cannot stand against the devils schemes. The armor must

be worn at all time and is not taken off. The believer must be prepared for the day to come when

he will need to "stand his ground." He cannot move backward. 15 Not every day is a battle day,

but the believer must be prepared everyday for a battle.

Then there is one final phrase to remind the believer that they must do everything to

stand. This is a third reference to put on all the armor and leave nothing to chance. The devil will

find weaknesses and exploit them because all parts are required to stand firm.

While all parts of the armor are vital to standing firm, the "belt of truth" holds it all

together. Excell says truth is inward and outward.16 Truth in not simply information; inwardly, it

is "no self-deception, nor vanity, nor conceit."17 Outwardly, truth is "candor, frankness, truth to

word and life."18 Without truth the believer will be confused as to what he is standing against and

for.

The breastplate protects the vital areas of life, one heart. Everyone sees the breastplate as

it covers the front and back of the soldier. Therefore, ones righteousness in Christ should be

15 Stott, John R. W.. The message of Ephesians: God's new society. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1986), 275.16 Exell, Joseph S.. The Biblical illustrator: Ephesians, Philipians and Colossians. 23 vol. ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978), 639.17 Ibid, 639.18 Ibid, 639.

apparent for all to see.19 When the believer is allowing all to see the righteousness of Christ in his

life, this makes apparent the relationship he has with God. This is done by righteous words and

deeds displayed in the believer's life for all to see.20

The soldier must always be moving, whether in or out of battle. When they are not in

battle, they are training, so that they can be ready for battle. 1Peter 3:15 tell the believer they

must "be ready at all times to give an account." Just as protected feet move us forward, the

gospel moves us forward in battle. The believer must be equipped with the gospel as it brings

peace to both the believer and those in the battle.21

The shield of faith extinguishes the flaming arrows of the devil. The type of shield Paul

speaks of is large. The scutum is 4 feet by 2 1/2 feet. The soldier could hide behind this shield to

hide from flaming missiles. 22 Likewise, the believer needs to hide behind their faith as it is their

faith that protects from the devils attack. The shield of faith extinguishes the flaming arrows. The

specific purpose of the shield of faith is to be protected from the attack.23 This shield allows the

believer to advance in the attack.24 The shield of faith is an offensive and defensive weapon.

The believer must keep his head clear in battle. The helmet of salvation with gives the

believer the courage and clarity needed in the heat of battle. Recognizing our salvation brings

clarity to the fight and courage to stay the course as the end destination is known.25

Paul ends the armor discourse with the Sword of the Spirit. This is the believer primary

offensive weapon. The word is used to describe a long knife or short sword, either way, this

19 Ibid, 639.20 Boice, James Montgomery. Ephesians: an expositional commentary.( Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1998), 246.21 Ibid, 247.22 Miller, H. S.. The Book of Ephesians. (Houghton, NY: The Word Bearer Press, 1931), 226.23 Ibid, 227.24 Boice, James Montgomery. Ephesians: an expositional commentary.( Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1998), 248.25 Ibid, 248.

offensive weapon is used for close combat. The phrase "word of God" has special meaning in

this type of close combat. The word used here, rhema, does not mean the entire word of God

when logos is used. This refers to portions of scripture or specific verses. It is a reminder the

believer needs to know scripture and memorize it for battle.

Before Paul broke down the armor of God, he said "Stand firm then". These elements of

the Christian faith are required to stand firm. They will enable the believer to stand their ground

and move forward in battle. The believer who wears the armor of God will be alert.

The Alert Believer Prays

Paul does not identify prayer as a part of the armor of God. However, prayer plays an

important role in spiritual warfare. When looking at the structure of this passage, we need to

return to the beginning of verse 4, "Stand firm then," "and pray." The picture of the armor is an

in depth look at how the offensive and defensive work. The short version is for the believer to

stand firm and pray when they are in battle.

To often the armor of God is looked at without prayer. Praying in the Spirit maintains the

believer's awareness in and out of battle. Stott says prayer "is to pervade all our spiritual

warfare."26 Prayer should come before, during and after spiritual warfare, that is why Paul says to

"pray on all occasions." The believer needs to pray as he regularly does, but even more often

when in battle. In addition, Paul uses the word requests; the meaning has been lost in translation,

but it means needs. However, they must be made in the Spirit. When the believer opens himself

to the Spirit, he is aware of what he should be praying.27

When the believer is praying in the Spirit they are alert and must continue to pray.

Selfishness is cast aside and prayer become meaningful to the battle. This enable the believer to

26 Stott, John R. W.. The message of Ephesians: God's new society. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1986), 283.27 Miller, H. S.. The Book of Ephesians. (Houghton, NY: The Word Bearer Press, 1931), 229.

pray for others, even when personal desire is not available. What Paul has done is bring the

context of the pervious passage into the battle. Praying all the time, in many ways and for all

believers frees them to stay alert on the battlefield.

The question arises from this is, what are believers fighting for? Why must believers

stand firm and pray? It is to advance the mystery of the Gospel. In Ephesus, the Gospel was new

to this religions city. Christians were gaining ground quickly and the enemy wanted to quench

the growth.

When believers fight in spiritual warfare, they are advancing the mystery of the Gospel.

Paul presents himself as an individual who needs prayer to speak for Christ. Paul knew that he

could not depend on his abilities, because he would fail. Paul needed intercession from the saints

as they prayed in the Spirit. When sharing the Gospel, it is a mystery; without the Spirit people

cannot understand it.28 Paul needed guidance from the Spirit to say the right words at the right

time. Paul needed to stand firm and fearless when sharing the Gospel.

In the final verse, he relates his condition as a prisoner. It is as if he is saying you should

be praying for me to get any opportunity to share the Gospel. Paul understood his position as

someone of influence for the kingdom and did not want to let his personal preferences become an

obstacle for unbelievers. In that, mind he repeats again that the Ephesians should pray that he

fearlessly declares the Gospel, as he should; clearly and fearlessly.

28 Ibid, 323.

APPLICATION

This passage prepares the believer to fight the spiritual battle. However, the problem is

that most believers do not recognize the battle exists. The Ephesians had firsthand knowledge of

the battle. They saw battle in their lives as they strived to change the city of Ephesus.

The church today needs to recognize the battle exists. Their lack recognition is what

desires. If believers are not fighting the battle, then the evil in this world does not need to

accomplish anything to advance against the enemy. Relating to my personal experience in

ministry, most church expects the pastor to fight the spiritual battle. The armor of God is for

every believer to fight spiritual battles.

Through out time, people have sought make their own way. Adam and Eve desired to

make their own way by becoming like God by knowing good and evil. Throughout biblical

narrative, the stories continue of His people not depending on His power and strength. It is

obvious we cannot fight the spiritual battle before us without depending on the power and

strength of God. No one has accomplished spiritual battle with success in their own power.

The picture of the Roman soldier was a vivid example for the Ephesians in Paul's time.

They would have seen a Roman soldier daily. While we do not see Roman soldiers roaming the

streets today, it is still a vivid picture of how we are to be prepared for battle. We see depictions

of this type of warrior on television and in movies; the depictions are almost too real. There is no

need to remake the Roman soldier for today's generation.

In a time when people stand for nothing, believers must stand firm for what the truth.

Many are succumbing to world and its darkness. Paul's letter to the Ephesians is a letter of

discipleship. The church needs to return to this type of ministry of training believers to stand

firm for the truth.

My eyes were opened to this warfare my first trip to Haiti. I was not prepared for what I

experienced and quickly depended upon the power and strength of God. I felt the oppression of

dark world. The only thing I knew to do at the time was to pray, and God rescued me from the

oppression. As the week continued, I see now where I was equipping myself with the armor. I

recognized the truth that was in me. I recognized the safety I had in His righteousness. I gained

courage because I was ready with the Gospel. It was my faith that brought me to Haiti in the first

place and I had no reason to fear the enemy. Focusing on my salvation and reading the Word

advanced my battle. When I returned to the US, my eyes were open to the spiritual battle all

around. This experience brought me into ministry. There needs to be an awakening for the

American Church of the spiritual battle that surrounds.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Boice, James Montgomery. Ephesians: an expositional commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1998.

Constable, Thomas L., Dr. Constables Notes on Ephesians 2012 Edition. (http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/ephesians.pdf, Accessed 2/29/2012.

Erdman, Charles R.. The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 19831966.

Exell, Joseph S.. The Biblical illustrator: Ephesians, Philipians and Colossians. [23 vol. ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978.

Miller, H. S.. The Book of Ephesians. Houghton, NY: The Word Bearer Press, 1931.

Rosscup, James E.. "The Importance of Prayer in Ephesians." Masters Seminary Journal 6, no. 1 (1995): 58-73.

Stott, John R. W.. The message of Ephesians: God's new society. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 19861979.