TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXEGETICAL PAPER: EPHESIANS 6:10-20
Beverly Manning
NBST 610 – Hermeneutics
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Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Historical and Cultural Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Literary Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Exegetical Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Bibliography
INTRODUCTION
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Christians are challenged by false teaching every day; we learn to believe ourselves, we
are taught that we are skilled enough to do whatever we put our mind too or go and obtain what
we want. The issue is that Christians create conclusions without proper training. As faith
believing Christians, we are not reliable on God to come to our defense and guard them. But, the
worst of the whole situation is believers ponder the reason why they are so despondent, being
confronted in life, they lift their voices in distress to God.
There is a large amount of resources on the Armor of God. Sometimes the information
concentrates on using the armor to fight against spiritual darkness. Before, this author looked at
Ephesians 6:10-17 as the main passages on battling spiritual warfare. The armor is necessary for
the believer to deal with trials and tribulations in their life. Also, pray is a key component in the
spiritual warfare that the believers must fight.
When God is left out of the believer’s spiritual life, he or she has not sufficiently
equipped themselves for the fight. The believer is missing three components for the spiritual
battle: offense, defense or communion. When the focal point of the believer’s being becomes
self-centered and arrogant, the gospel is discarded. The gospel is considered valuable because it
is a way of life. The gospel is worth living, and the Father equips the believer and creates
resources for them to fight the spiritual battle that is coming.
CONTEXT
Historical and Cultural Context. The real author of Ephesians has always been a topic
of discussion, but many believers conclude that the Apostle Paul is the author is this book. But
on the other hand, the writer of Ephesians has been questioned by German scholars from the
1820's.1 They presented negative biblical criticism that shows uncertainty about the real author
1 Stott, John R. W. The message of Ephesians: God's new society. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press,
1986), 17.
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of Ephesians.2 The criticisms analyzed the styles, syntax, historic evidence and literary
comparisons with other letters written by Paul. The conclusion of the study showed insufficient
proof to leave from the traditional biblical example.
The dispute to contest Paul as the real author is related to style and syntax which studies
the how words are used. According to Markus Barth, he thinks the style not of Pauline
authorship because it doesn’t have passion.3 Instead of using unfamiliar words, it uses familiar
words. These debates seem absurd because an author with Paul’s knowledge would utilize an
assortment of words and styles that would be suitable for the situations discussed.
An additional dispute utilizes historical proof of Paul’s connection with the Ephesians.
The historical interpretation in Acts 20:17-38 classifies a personal relationship with the
Ephesians. The ones who are against Paul being the author of Ephesians conclude that the letter
is too detached and does not show a personal connection. Of course, the debate is considered
conjecture. Stott proposed that Paul could have been talking to a group of Ephesians churches,
but that is considered conjecture as well.4
Although the letter is sent to Ephesus, some biblical scholars dispute the notion because
some words are not present in some older documents, words such as, “in Ephesus.”5 Of the rare
credible accounts, it doesn’t change anything. Most of the writings use the words “in Ephesus”
2 Klien, W. W. “Ephesians.” An Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 12:19, Revised edition.
(Grand Rapids, MI:Zordervan, 2006), 173.
3 Stott, John R. 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.
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and no documents give another receiver. Furthermore, the early church acknowledged the
receiver as Ephesus, and the early church fathers acknowledged the writer and receiver as many
Christians do to this day.6
This particular epistle is referred to as the prison epistle because Paul identifies himself as
“a prisoner of Jesus Christ” in chapter 3 and verse 1 and an “ambassador for Jesus Christ in
chains” in chapter 6 and verse 20. In a historical context in Rome between A. D. 61 and 63, Paul
is put under house arrest in Acts 28 and Ephesians.7
The city of Ephesus was located on the Cayster River about three miles from the Aegean
Sea. In order to travel the river, one had to leave from the ancient harbor located at the edge of
the city. Because of the city’s exceptional harbor, which was able to linking the city to new
worlds, it was a huge and affluent during Paul’s generation.8 It wasn’t just link to other cities,
but it was a large focal point for trade. Ephesus was famous for its temple to pagan goddesses,
such as, Artemis or Diana. The temples were considered exceptional and dynamic attractions,
and many referred to them as the Seven Wonders of the World because of its magnitude and
extravagant décor. According to Acts 19:19, a lot of people who received Christ as their personal
Savior destroyed their sorcery scrolls. Because of an increase in the spread of the Gospel, sales
of the silver idols of Diana went down tremendously, and an uprising started.
6 Boice, James Montgomery. Ephesians: an expositional commentary. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker
Books, 1998), 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), 225.
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Paul had a great connection with the Ephesians, as evident, in the three years that he
spent ministering in the city and the countries that encompassed the city. He was aware of the
fight the church was up against living in a religious city bound by religious law that rejected the
true Gospel. Many scholars think that the absence of private information confirms the theory of
another author, but bearing in mind the issues the Ephesians endured, this epistle details the
desires of Ephesians and the present day church.
Literary Context. The letter of Ephesians is divided into two principal parts of scripture
and encouragement. Before Paul instructs the church on the ins and outs of spiritual battle, he
has to get them ready by demonstrating the physical battle involved in human relations. Ephesus
had to grasp the significance of unity between other Christians. If there is no unity, Satan and his
forces will swiftly divide the church. The Armor of God is the last appeal to the Ephesians as
they battle against spiritual forces in prayer.
EXEGETICAL ANALYSIS
The final three chapters of Ephesians depict Paul’s last advice to make the Christians
ready at the church of Ephesus for spiritual battle. He starts this last advice with “finally” which
is translated as the remainder or the rest.9 All that Paul says at this juncture lay on these last
words that he speaks. Although they have the unity in Christ and unity with their fellow
believers, they have to depend on the almighty power of the Father to battle in this spiritual fight.
If Christians try to contend in a spiritual battle using their own power, they are
disobeying God. Christians are given strict instructions to gain strength from God only. The text
9 Thielman, F. “Ephesians.” Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. (Grand Rapids,
MI:Baker, 2010), 220.
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stated that “We are to be strong in what He is and also in what He has."10 No being has the
Father’s strength, he is the almighty God. In order for believers to progress in spiritual battle,
they have to have the power of God.
The Christian has to depend wholly on the power of God for strength. Also, they have to
be prepared to protect themselves. The armor of God is recognized as something that allows the
Christian to make a stance against the adversary. The Christian is ordered to place on the whole
armor of God, fully equipped no parts excluded.11 The whole armor of God will permit the
Christian to not lose footing but stand firm against the adversary.
Eventually, Paul gradually tells what the Christian is to stand against. In the 11th
scripture, he basically states the enemy’s plans. Satan has a scheme that is devious, sneaky, and
a liar. The enemy has various ways that he comes. For instance, his assaults are perilous and
usually people sale him short because they down play his authority.12 When the Christian fails to
put on the whole armor of God, they expose themselves to the enemy’s temptation.
It is obvious that we have to have a good offense and defense against the enemy and that
the Christian must be equipped to fight. Thus, Paul advances further in his teaching to discuss
the degree of the fight. The fight is massive and the Christian has to stay focused and not allow
themselves to be easily distracted. Christians can be distracted by physical things, but they have
to remain focused on the spiritual fight. Of course, it is not true that we as Christians forget
10 Ibid., 221.
11 Klien, W. W. “Ephesians.” An Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Revised edition.
(Grand Rapids, MI:Zordervan, 2006), 173.
12 Stott, John R. W. The message of Ephesians: God's new society. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press,
1986), 265.
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about the flesh and blood fights, but we have to realize the real fight is greater. The real fight is
on another level against the adversary and his demons.13
In the second part of the twelfth verse, it defines who is included in the spiritual fight.
Many writers take no stock in the verses that Paul used to define the demonic forces. Other
writers only saw the simple definition and offered outstanding opinions of the adversary. Some
view the enemy as vast, equipped, mighty and evil. Boice states the variances between rulers
and authorities.14 Rulers are in control of various groups of armies, related to a president or king.
Authorities are in control of small groups, but they have a lot of authority over them. One may
think that the dark powers divided into different parts and have better control over their armies.15
Powers of darkness are present on the Earth and the air.
As the text goes on Paul reiterates the same text over, “Put on the full armor of God.” A
portion of text that reiterated is thought of being important. This is not just an order, but it is a
prompt not to go into a fight without the whole armor of God. The warrior has to have complete
defense form the adversary and will have that defense if, he has on the whole armor. Also, one
has to know that there are no similar parts. The armor of God will defend, and there is no other
armor appropriate for the fight.
The text puts a lot of importance on Christians standing. The word “stand” is repeated
four times in the scripture and twice in verse 13. Christians can’t stand by himself, but they need
13 Boice, James Montgomery. Ephesians: an expositional commentary, ( Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker
Books, 1998), 226.
14 Boice, James Montgomery. Ephesians: an expositional commentary.( Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker
Books, 1998), 226.
15 Ibid., 227.
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the armor of God. Because the armor provides protection, Christians have to have it to contend
against the devil’s plans. The armor has to be on all the time and can’t be taken off. The
Christian has to be equipped for each day when it comes because he has to “stand his ground.” It
is important that he doesn’t go back.16 It must be noted that every day is not a fight, but the
Christian has to be equipped to fight against the enemy every day.
There is one last statement to repeat that Christians have to stand up every day. The third
statement is to equip themselves with the whole armor and leave nothing to coincidence. Satan
will try to discover weaknesses and misuse them because the whole armor is needed to make a
secure stance.
All of the components is important to making a firm stance, but the “belt of truth”
clenches the whole armor together. According to Excell, truth is inward and outward.17 Truth is
not basically information, but inwardly, it is “no self-deception, nor vanity, nor conceit."18 But
outwardly, truth is considered "candor, frankness, truth to word and life."19 If we didn’t have
truth, we would be mixed up about what we are standing against and for.
The breastplate guards the most important area of our life, our heart. When you view the
breastplate, it protects the front and back of the warrior. So, a Christian’s righteousness has to be
16 Exell, Joseph S. The Biblical illustrator: Ephesians, Philipians and Colossians. 23 vol. ed. (Grand
Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978), 639.
17 Exell, Joseph S. The Biblical illustrator: Ephesians, Philipians and Colossians. 23 vol. ed. (Grand
Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978), 639.
18 Ibid., 639.
19 Ibid., 639.
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clear for the whole world to view.20 If the Christian is permitting everyone to look at their
righteousness, this shows the connection he has with the Father. Wonder how this is shown, the
Christian used righteous words and actions that show in the Christian’s life for everyone to see.21
Whether in the fight or out the fight, the warrior has to be constantly moving. In I Peter
3:15, it states that Christians have to "be ready at all times to give an account." Like our guarded
feet causes us to advance, the Word of God causes us to advance in the fight. The Christian must
be ready with the Word of God as it gives peace to the Christians and those in the fight.22
The shield of faith puts out the fiery arrows of Satan. The shield is huge, and the Scutum
is 4 feet by 2 ½ feet. The warrior can use the shield to hide behind when Satan shoots his fiery
darts.23 Like the shield, the Christian has to hide behind their faith, like it is faith that guards
them from the enemy’s attack.24 The main use of the shield of faith is to defend the warrior from
attack.25 It helps them to progress in the battle, and it considered both an offensive and defensive
weapon.
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 Stott, John R. W. The message of Ephesians: God's new society. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press,
1986), 283.
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It is essential for the warrior to keep a clear head in the fight, and the helmet of salvation
helps them do just that. It gives the Christian the bravery and clearness in the heat of the battle.
Knowing our salvation brings clearness to the battle and bravery to remain until the end of the
battle.26
The last part Paul discusses about the armor is the “sword of the Spirit.” It is considered
the Christian’s most important offensive weapon. The word of God is called a sword, and a
sword is often used as an offensive weapon better suited for close fights.27 In this text, the
statement “word of God” has a specific and important meaning in close combat. The term
“rhema” is not defined as the whole word of God when “logos” is used, but it denotes different
parts of the text or certain scriptures. It reminds the Christian that they need to know the Word
of God and remember it for the fight.28 Prior to Paul explaining the whole armor of God, he
stated, "Stand firm then". All these parts of the faith are needed to stand firm. They will permit
the Christian to stand firm and advance in the fight. The Christian who puts on the whole armor
of God will be sharp and aware.29
Prayer is not signified as a part of the armor of God, but it is considered a vital part of the
spiritual battle. When observing the organization of this scripture, we have to go back to the
opening of verse 4, "Stand firm then," "and pray." The depiction of the armor is a hard view of
26 Rosscup, James E. (1995). "The Importance of Prayer in Ephesians." Masters Seminary Journal
6(1):58.
27 Ibid., 59.
28 Thielman, F. “Ephesians.” Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. (Grand Rapids,
MI:Baker, 2010), 225.
29 Ibid., 226.
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how the offensive and defensive operate. The simple form is for the Christian to stand steady and
pray when they are in a fight.
Usually, prayer is not considered when looking at the armor of God. Praying in the Spirit
keeps the Christians’ responsiveness during the fight. Stott stated prayer "is to pervade all our
spiritual warfare."30 Prayer should come before, during and after spiritual warfare, that is why
Paul stated to "pray on all occasions" that is why it comes prior to, throughout and after the
spiritual battle. The Christian has to prayer like they normally do, but more so when in a fight.
Also, Paul utilizes the term requests, but the definition has been absent in interpretation, but it is
defined as needs. They have to be prepared in the Spirit. When the Christian allows himself to
open up in the Spirit, he is mindful of what to pray for.31
When the Christian is praying, they have to make sure that they are vigilant in the Spirit,
and they have to continue in prayer. Selfishness is put aside because they have to be centered on
prayer which is important to the fight. This allows the Christian to pray for others, although their
own wants are not obtainable. Paul has brought the perspective of the pervious scripture into the
fight. Praying constantly helps Christians have freedom and remain attentive in the fight.
The question derived from this is, “What are believers fighting for? Why must believers
stand firm and pray?” It is to progress the secret of the word of God. This city of Ephesus was
just learning about the word of God. Christians were converting people to Christianity at an
accelerated rate and the adversary wanted to extinguish spread of the Gospel.
30 Stott, John R. W. The message of Ephesians: God's new society. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press,
1986), 283.
31 Miller, H. S. The Book of Ephesians. (Houghton, NY: The Word Bearer Press, 1931), 229.
13
When Christians engage in a spiritual battle, they are progressing the Gospel. Paul states
that he has to have prayer to communicate with God. He was well aware that couldn’t rely on
his own gifts, because he would be unsuccessful. Paul wanted intervention from the believers as
they prayed to God. When partaking in the word of God, it is a hidden and mysterious thing, and
it cannot be understood without the help of the Spirit.32 Paul sought direction from the Spirit to
speak the right things at the appropriate time. Paul had to stand steady and bold when preaching
the word of God.
In the last verse, he shares what he endured as a prisoner. It seems like he is trying to say
that the believers should be praying for him to get any chance to share the word of God. Paul had
an understanding of his place as someone of power for the kingdom and did not want to let his
own wants and desires to become a problem for doubters. With that in mind, he restates that the
Ephesians should forever pray that he bravely proclaims the word of God, as he should, strongly
and confidently.
APPLICATION
This scripture equips the Christian to battle the spiritual fight. Yet, the issue is that most
Christians do not realize the fight is present. The Ephesians had personal information of the fight.
They looked at the fight in their lives as they struggled to transform the city of Ephesus.
The modern day church has to realize the fight is still present. If Christians are not
engaged in the battle, then the wickedness in this world does not need to achieve anything to
progress against the adversary. Concerning my own experience in ministry, ministers are
expected to engage in the spiritual fight. The armor of God is for Christians to use to protect
them in the spiritual fight.
32 Miller, H. S. The Book of Ephesians. (Houghton, NY: The Word Bearer Press, 1931), 227.
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Since the beginning of time, human kind has strived to create their own approach. Adam
and Eve inspired to create their own way by disobeying God and eating the forbidding the
forbidden fruit and knowing good and evil. Bible is full of stories in which the patriarchs did not
depend on His power and strength. Of course, it is understood that we cannot fight the spiritual
battle without relying on the power and strength of the Almighty God. There is not one person
that can say that they have won a spiritual battle with triumph in their own might.
The depiction of the Roman soldier was clear depiction for the Ephesians because they
saw Roman soldiers every day. But today, we don’t have Roman soldiers, but it is still great
example how we should be equipped for the fight. We view pictures of this kind of soldiers on
television and in movies, and the pictures are very realistic. The idea of changing the image to a
more modern version is not necessary.
CONCLUSION
In a world of sin and immorality, Christians have to stand for the truth. Many people are
surrendering to sin, but Paul’s epistle is a manual for discipleship. The church should go back to
teaching Christians to stand firm on the word of God. They should be taught to stand up of truth.
As a new Christian, I traveled quite a bit with my church evangelizing in rural areas in Alabama,
and it was then that I was introduce to spiritual warfare. I was not equipped for what I saw and
swiftly relied on the power and strength of God. I saw people oppressed and bond by the enemy,
and the only thing that I could was to pray. God helped me to stand firm. As the time
progressed, I saw myself putting on the whole armor of God. I realized the truth that was present
in me. I came to the conclusion the protection I had in his honesty. I got so much courage
because I was armed with the Word of God. Faith brought me to Alabama, and I didn’t have any
reason to be afraid of the adversary. Concentrating on my salvation and staying in the Word of
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God help me in the fight against the enemy. When I got back to our home church, I was aware of
the spiritual battle that we go through in the ministry. The church has to be aware of the spiritual
fight that is taken place between God’s people and the enemy.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Boice, James Montgomery. Ephesians: an expositional commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich.:
Baker Books, 1998.
Exell, Joseph S. The Biblical illustrator: Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians. [23 vol. ed.
Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978.
Klien, W. W. “Ephesians.” An Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 12:19, 173. Revised edition.
Grand Rapids, MI:Zordervan, 2006.
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.
Thielman, F. “Ephesians.” Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids,
MI:Baker, 2010.
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MI:Baker, 2010
