Ephesians 6:10-20

Ephesians 6:10-20

[10] be strong  in  the Lord,  and  in  the power  of his  might.  [11] Put on  the whole armour  of God,  that  may be able  to stand  against  the wiles  of the devil.  [12] For  wrestle  not  flesh  and  blood,  but  against  principalities,  against  powers,  against  the rulers  of the darkness  against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high  [13] Wherefore  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.  [14] Stand  therefore,  loins  girt about  with  truth,  and  having on  the breastplate  of righteousness;  [15] And  your feet  shod  with  the preparation  of the gospel  of peace;  [16] all,  taking  the shield  of faith,  wherewith  ye shall be able  to quench  all  the fiery  darts  of the wicked.  [17] And  take  the helmet  of salvation,  and  the sword  of the Spirit,  the word  of God:  [18] Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in  the Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  supplication  for  all  saints;  [19] And  for  that  utterance  may be given  that I may open  mouth  boldly,  to make known  the mystery  of the gospel,  [20] For  which  I am an ambassador  in  bonds:  that  therein  I may speak boldly,  as  ought  to speak. 

What does Ephesians 6:10-20 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

That this section is distinct from the five that precede it is evident from two facts. Paul introduced it differently, and the emphasis in it is on God"s resources. Earlier Paul urged the strengthening and growth of the body of Christ ( Ephesians 4:12; Ephesians 4:16). Now he explained the need for this. The body is at war with a spiritual enemy. We do not just walk, but we also war.
"These two responsibilities (home and work on the one hand, and spiritual combat on the other) are quite different from each other. Husband and wife, parents and children, masters and servants are visible, tangible human beings, while the "principalities and powers" arrayed against us are invisible, intangible demonic beings." [1]
"Sooner or later every believer discovers that the Christian life is a battleground, not a playground, and that he faces an enemy who is much stronger than he Isaiah -apart from the Lord." [2]
"The image of the cosmic struggle or confrontation with evil is frequent in the book, but it hits its high point here ( Ephesians 1:19-23; Ephesians 2:1-7; Ephesians 4:7-10; Ephesians 5:7-14; Ephesians 5:17)." [3]
According to the Book of Acts and other sources, there was an unusual amount of demonic activity in Ephesus, and Paul encountered it when he ministered there (cf. Acts 19:13-20). [4] It was, therefore, appropriate that he addressed this subject at some length in this letter to the Ephesians.