Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 35:68 (Spring 2022)
Article: Put On The Armor Of God: A Corporate Or Individual Command?
Author: Kenneth W. Yates

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Put On The Armor Of God: A Corporate Or Individual Command?

Kenneth W. Yates

Editor
Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society

I. Introduction

In Eph 6:11, Paul exhorts his readers to “put on the whole armor of God.” In 6:13 he repeats the command, even though he uses a different but synonymous verb. These are the only times in the NT where believers are commanded to do this.

It is safe to say that in the West, we naturally see these verses in a highly individualistic way. Almost automatically, we assume that Paul is telling each believer to put on the articles of armor he lists in Eph 6:14–17. Many Christians have purchased “armor of God kits” at Christian bookstores for their children, and have seen such toys used in this way in children’s programs in local churches. These kits come with a helmet, a sword, a shield, covering for one’s feet, and a plastic breastplate. Each young person is told to live righteously, share the gospel with others, grow in faith, and study the Word of God. The different pieces of armor represent these different spiritual disciplines.

Adults often interpret these commands in the same way. We measure our own individual spirituality by how well we are wearing the armor Paul discusses. We are to see ourselves as dressed for battle against Satan and make sure that as we confront him, we are taking advantage of the weapons God has given each one of us.

It is not difficult to find support for this understanding in Evangelical commentaries on Ephesians. Stott sees the individual Christian being called to battle here. He warns that there are some Christians who think they can fight against Satan in their own

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strength and armor. This is a mistake. Each believer must take advantage of God’s enabling power. At the same time, the believer must co-operate with God in the battle. He must decide to put on the armor.1 Bruce takes a similar view. In his view, Eph 6:10–12 describes individual warfare. In 2 Cor 12:7–9 Paul describes how, through prayer, he took advantage of the resources God gave him to combat Satan. That is an example for all believers to follow. We must have the Lord’s help if we want to be victorious in our individual struggle with evil forces.2

Lloyd-Jones takes Paul’s admonition in t...