Ephesians 6:11

Put on. Paul frequently uses the figure of “putting on” (Rom. 13:12, 14; 1 Cor. 15:53, 54; 2 Cor. 5:3; Gal. 3:27; Col. 3:10; 1 Thess. 5:8). Here the idea is that of putting on a protective armor for the believer.

Whole armour. Gr. panoplia, “complete armor.” This word is used in the NT elsewhere only in v. 13 and in Luke 11:22. A parallel to Paul’s thought is found in Isa. 59:16, 17. Some suggest that this passage may have been the source of his imagery. Others point to his knowledge of the armor of the Roman soldier, because he was chained to one for several years. The armor is God’s because He is the one who provides each particular piece of equipment (Eph. 6:14–17). We are asked to put it on and to fight valiantly the battle. The One who forged the armor guarantees its effectiveness.

May be able. In any armor but the divine, we would not be able to “stand.”

Wiles. Gr. methodeiai, “crafts,” “deceits.”

The devil. Gr. diabolos (see on ch. 4:27). If our conflict were with man only, the need for the armor would not be so apparent, but we have to face the stratagems and cunning of the devil. The temptation of Christ reveals the subtlety of the devil’s method, one always directed toward a man’s weakest points (Matt. 4:1–11; cf. 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 2:2; 4:27; 1 Peter 2:11; 5:8). It is much easier to deal with open enmity than it is with deceit. The armor of God is calculated to defend against cunning attacks that would otherwise destroy the Christian warrior.