Romans 13:12

Night. Having compared the present spiritual condition of his readers to “sleep,” Paul continues the figure by contrasting the present life with that which is to come, as night with day (cf. Heb. 10:25).

Cast off. Gr. apotithemi, “to throw aside,” “to put off from oneself.” This word is used a number of times in the NT to describe the putting aside of evil habits (see Eph. 4:22, 25; Col. 3:8; Heb. 12:1; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:1).

Works of darkness. Represented here as clothing that must be taken off. In their place the Christian is to put on the armor of truth and righteousness, that he may be ready for the light of the day of Christ’s appearing.

Armour. Gr. hopla, “arms,” or “weapons.” Hopla is translated “weapons” in John 18:3; 2 Cor. 10:4, and “instruments” in Rom. 6:13. Compare Paul’s description of the Christian’s armor in Eph. 6:11-18.

Of light. The “armour of light” is so designated to contrast it with the “works of darkness.” Christians are called “out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). They are called “children of light” (1 Thess. 5:5) and consequently fight the spiritual battle with weapons of light.