What is "Putting on the Armor of God?"

What is "Putting on the Armor of God?"


In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes his letter to the church at Ephesus, giving them specific instructions in his absence. Within this letter, Paul commands the church to put on the full armor of God. Just what did Paul mean by such a command?

To understand the meaning of the Paul’s command, we need to see the background of the command. Paul who was writing from Rome, as a prisoner, wrote the letter. Paul was probably writing this letter in the company of Roman legions who stood guard over him. He would have seen these solders with their armor, swords and shields, as they were present in the city of Rome. Paul is writing this letter about A.D. 60, as a prisoner in Rome awaiting trail before Caesar.

Paul addresses the letter to the saints at Ephesus and the faithful in Jesus Christ. If you recall, from the book of Acts, Paul spent 3-years in the city of Ephesus (Acts 20:31). His ministry there was so successful, that the silversmiths who were loosing money, because people stopped buying idols. The silversmiths threatened Paul’s life, because so many turned to Christ. Turning to Christ, they no longer needed the idols of Artemis (Diana) produced by their guild. At this point Paul left the city, eventually returning to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, he was arrested; from there he was sent to Rome.

In Rome, Paul was imprisoned 2-years, before his execution. In Rome, while in prison, Paul wrote to the church of Ephesus. Giving them instructions on being successful in their calling, in his concluding remarks, Paul commands the church to put on the full armor of God. Ephesus later became a stronghold of Christianity; the Apostle John is buried in the city. Jesus in Revelation commends the city for their adherence to doctrine, and their willingness to test those who claim to be disciples in (A.D. 96) (Rev. 2:1-7).

Ephesus in many ways was a model city of Spiritual war, which we will examine as we go through the various aspects of the Armor of God.

To continue reading please click the following links:

Part 1:
http://www.truthnet.org/Spiritual-warfare/6BackgroundArmor-God/Armor-of-God.htm

Part 2:
http://www.truthnet.org/Spiritual-warfare/7Armor-God/Armor-of-God.htm