An Article by Ronald Thompkins

November 2, 2003

During the first century no army was as feared as the Romans. They were considered the best of the best, No trained soldier would consider even for a moment going into battle without his battle gear.  This battle gear would include a belt or girdle used to keep the soldier’s clothing close to his body to avoid getting tangled on some foreign object while in battle; the breast plate was worn to protect vital organs; footwear for protection as well as for traction; a shield which was typically oval in shape and  was used to shield the entire body from enemy arrows, which sometimes had their arrow heads on fire; the helmet was used to protect the head at all times; the sword was used to take the battle to the enemy-unlike the other armor of the soldiers which were used for defense, the sword provided the offense; and  prayer. The Roman Empire had its own gods. Of interests Paul during earthly ministry at Ephesus, interrupted the entire social-economic fabric by preaching against the idols worshipped by the pagans in this metropolitan city.

Ephesians 6:10-24, was a strong pre-battle pep talk from the Apostle Paul to the Churches of Asia Minor as they prepared to spread the Gospel.

Paul admonished them to above all “Stand” or to hold your ground (Eph. 6:11). A Roman soldier would rather die than retreat in a battle.

Also, Paul advised them their enemy was not of flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12). But none other than the very sneaky and crafty one of darkness-Satan.

He reminds us to gird ourselves with God’s truth, His word (Eph. 6:14). We must thirst for this truth daily; it should be our constant companion. Our love for this righteousness will guard us against false teaching (2 Thess. 2:10-12). Our breast plate is righteousness which translates to a righteous life style which is an essential result of the “new birth” of Christians (I John 2:29). A key element of the Roman soldier’s amour was his foot wear. No Christian should consider going amongst those who are not of the faith without a firm grasp of the Gospel (Eph. 6:15). The Christian’s shield of faith protects him from the fiery darts that can be thrown by the devil through weak Christians and his followers (Eph. 6:16). Just as the soldier’s helmet can be a life saving feature of his battle gear, salvation is our life saving feature of the Christian’s battle gear (Eph. 6:17). The Christian sword is none other than his bible, the word of God (Eph. 6:17). This becomes the Christian’s offensive weapon against the false teaching of this life. And finally, Pray (Eph. 6:18). No Roman soldier would go into battle alone. In a similar manner no good soldier should go into war without God.

Christian soldiers, let’s put on our armor, and prepare for battle.

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