It may be just a tad harder to hi-jack this post than the last one.
According to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, an analogy is: “1. inference that if two or more things agree with one another in some respects they will prob. [sic] agree in others.”
With that definition in mind, it is interesting to compare what is written in the 6th chapter of Ephesians in regard to just what is required for the genuine born-from-above Christian to be strong in his/her faith, to the soldiers of the Roman armies at the time of the Roman occupation of the Holy Land.
There usually were three ranks of soldiers. The youngest recruits were the first rank. They often were spear (or javelin) throwers, and when they had done their job from a distance, they passed back through the ranks.
The second rank were also young, but more experienced.
The third rank were the most experienced and engaged the enemy in hand to hand battle.
They all had to wear the prescribed armor (or, if you prefer, armour).
The belt was the foundation piece to which they hung or fastened the rest of their armor.
The breastplate was secured to the belt by thongs. It took time and effort to secure.
The soldiers wore heavy soled sandals that were securely bound, and were studded with cleats to give firm footing.
They each carried a shield for protection.
Their helmets had a liner made from animal skin, and the helmet itself was made of bronze; tough and not brittle. Many helmets had a gold crest. Each helmet had a chin strap for stability and security of the helmet, which provided great protection.
The swords they carried were shorter than is usually thought of, about 18 inches or so. This gave them the ability to respond quickly to an attack.
Now we will examine the analogous aspects of what Paul, who certainly was familiar with the Roman cohorts, wrote.
Eph.6:10... “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” The Roman soldiers were proud of all the conquests of Rome and it’s power.
Vs.11... “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (or schemings) of the devil.” i.e. do it now, and don’t leave anything out.
Vs.12... “For we do not wrestle (present tense; we are not wrestling) against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” i.e. a far more powerful adversary than the Roman armies.
Vs.13... “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” A second admonition to the Christian not to leave any part of the armor of God out of his/her preparation for battle.
Vs.14... “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth…” a reference to the belt, upon which all the rest of the armor depends. “…having put on the breastplate of righteousness,…” Catch the analogy?
Vs.15... “…and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” Don’t run out to battle until you are prepared to stand…. sometimes on rough terrain.
Vs.16... “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Be prepared to defend your position.
Vs.17... “And take the helmet of salvation…” which will protect and preserve from what might be deadly blows without it. “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”
Note that this is the only offensive weapon.
Are you prepared?
Scriptures from the NKJV, with some emphasis added. Written by: W.A.B.
According to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, an analogy is: “1. inference that if two or more things agree with one another in some respects they will prob. [sic] agree in others.”
With that definition in mind, it is interesting to compare what is written in the 6th chapter of Ephesians in regard to just what is required for the genuine born-from-above Christian to be strong in his/her faith, to the soldiers of the Roman armies at the time of the Roman occupation of the Holy Land.
There usually were three ranks of soldiers. The youngest recruits were the first rank. They often were spear (or javelin) throwers, and when they had done their job from a distance, they passed back through the ranks.
The second rank were also young, but more experienced.
The third rank were the most experienced and engaged the enemy in hand to hand battle.
They all had to wear the prescribed armor (or, if you prefer, armour).
The belt was the foundation piece to which they hung or fastened the rest of their armor.
The breastplate was secured to the belt by thongs. It took time and effort to secure.
The soldiers wore heavy soled sandals that were securely bound, and were studded with cleats to give firm footing.
They each carried a shield for protection.
Their helmets had a liner made from animal skin, and the helmet itself was made of bronze; tough and not brittle. Many helmets had a gold crest. Each helmet had a chin strap for stability and security of the helmet, which provided great protection.
The swords they carried were shorter than is usually thought of, about 18 inches or so. This gave them the ability to respond quickly to an attack.
Now we will examine the analogous aspects of what Paul, who certainly was familiar with the Roman cohorts, wrote.
Eph.6:10... “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” The Roman soldiers were proud of all the conquests of Rome and it’s power.
Vs.11... “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (or schemings) of the devil.” i.e. do it now, and don’t leave anything out.
Vs.12... “For we do not wrestle (present tense; we are not wrestling) against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” i.e. a far more powerful adversary than the Roman armies.
Vs.13... “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” A second admonition to the Christian not to leave any part of the armor of God out of his/her preparation for battle.
Vs.14... “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth…” a reference to the belt, upon which all the rest of the armor depends. “…having put on the breastplate of righteousness,…” Catch the analogy?
Vs.15... “…and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” Don’t run out to battle until you are prepared to stand…. sometimes on rough terrain.
Vs.16... “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Be prepared to defend your position.
Vs.17... “And take the helmet of salvation…” which will protect and preserve from what might be deadly blows without it. “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”
Note that this is the only offensive weapon.
Are you prepared?
Scriptures from the NKJV, with some emphasis added. Written by: W.A.B.
