What does Ephesians 6:11 mean?

Ephesians 6:11, found within the broader context of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, is a significant verse that reads: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes" (NIV). This verse is part of a larger passage, Ephesians 6:10-18, where Paul exhorts the believers in Ephesus to equip themselves spiritually for the battles they face against spiritual forces of evil.

To fully understand the meaning of Ephesians 6:11, it is essential to examine its context, both within the immediate passage and in the broader scope of Paul's message to the Ephesians. The letter to the Ephesians is rich in theological insights and practical exhortations, and this particular passage is no exception.

Paul begins this section by urging the believers to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). This call to strength is not a call to rely on human abilities or resources but rather to draw strength from the Lord. The phrase "in the Lord" indicates that the source of this strength is a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul's emphasis on divine strength sets the stage for his subsequent instructions on spiritual warfare.

The command to "put on the full armor of God" in Ephesians 6:11 is a metaphorical way of describing the spiritual resources and defenses that God provides for believers. The imagery of armor would have been familiar to Paul's audience, as Roman soldiers were a common sight in the first-century Mediterranean world. Just as a soldier would not go into battle without proper armor, Christians are exhorted to equip themselves with the spiritual armor that God provides.

Paul's use of the term "full armor" (Greek: panoplia) underscores the comprehensive nature of the protection that God offers. It is not enough to put on only part of the armor; believers need to be fully equipped to stand firm against the enemy. This comprehensive armor includes various elements that Paul describes in the following verses: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace as shoes, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).

The purpose of putting on the full armor of God is "so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." The Greek word for "schemes" (methodeia) suggests cunning, craftiness, and deceit. Paul is warning the believers that the devil, also known as Satan, is a formidable adversary who uses various strategies to lead people astray. These schemes can take many forms, including temptation, false teachings, and persecution.

The call to "take your stand" emphasizes the need for vigilance and readiness. The Christian life is not a passive existence but an active engagement in spiritual warfare. Paul uses the imagery of standing firm to convey the idea of holding one's ground and not being moved by the enemy's attacks. This stance requires both defensive and offensive measures, as outlined in the subsequent verses.

The concept of spiritual warfare is a recurring theme in Paul's writings. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, he writes: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." Here, Paul again emphasizes that the battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, and the weapons used are divinely empowered.

Ephesians 6:11 also needs to be understood in light of the broader theological themes in the letter to the Ephesians. One of the key themes in Ephesians is the idea of unity in Christ. Paul emphasizes that believers are united with Christ and with one another, forming one body, the church. This unity is both a source of strength and a target for the enemy's attacks. By putting on the full armor of God, believers are not only protecting themselves but also contributing to the overall strength and unity of the body of Christ.

Moreover, Ephesians 6:11 can be seen as a call to spiritual maturity. Throughout the letter, Paul encourages the believers to grow in their faith and knowledge of Christ. In Ephesians 4:13-14, he writes: "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming." The imagery of armor in Ephesians 6:11 is a vivid reminder that spiritual growth and maturity involve being prepared and equipped to face challenges and opposition.

In addition to the biblical text, insights from well-known Christian literature can further illuminate the meaning of Ephesians 6:11. For instance, John Bunyan's classic work "The Pilgrim's Progress" vividly portrays the Christian life as a journey fraught with spiritual battles. The protagonist, Christian, encounters various enemies and challenges, and his journey underscores the importance of being spiritually prepared and relying on God's strength.

C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters" provides another perspective on the devil's schemes. Through the fictional correspondence between a senior demon, Screwtape, and his nephew, Wormwood, Lewis explores the subtle and deceptive ways in which the enemy seeks to undermine the faith of believers. This work serves as a reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance and reliance on God's provision.

In practical terms, putting on the full armor of God involves daily spiritual disciplines and a conscious dependence on God's strength. Prayer, reading and meditating on Scripture, worship, and fellowship with other believers are essential practices that help believers stay spiritually equipped. The armor of God is not something that can be put on once and forgotten; it requires ongoing attention and commitment.

Furthermore, the communal aspect of spiritual warfare should not be overlooked. Paul wrote this letter to a community of believers, and the exhortation to put on the full armor of God is addressed to the collective body of Christ. Believers are called to support and encourage one another in their spiritual battles. The church, as a community of faith, plays a crucial role in helping individuals stay strong and stand firm against the enemy's schemes.

In conclusion, Ephesians 6:11 is a powerful and instructive verse that calls believers to be spiritually prepared and equipped to face the challenges and opposition that come from the devil's schemes. By putting on the full armor of God, believers can stand firm and resist the enemy's attacks. This verse, set within the broader context of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, underscores the importance of relying on God's strength, growing in spiritual maturity, and supporting one another in the body of Christ. Through daily spiritual disciplines and a conscious dependence on God's provision, believers can effectively engage in the spiritual warfare that is an inherent part of the Christian life.