Ephesians 6:16
Verse
Context
The Full Armor of God
15and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Above all, (Επι πασιν, over all the rest of the armor), taking the shield of faith - In the word θυρεος, thureos, the apostle alludes to the great oblong shield, or scutum, which covers the whole body. See its description before. And as faith is the grace by which all others are preserved and rendered active, so it is properly represented here under the notion of a shield, by which the whole body is covered and protected. Faith, in this place, must mean that evidence of things unseen which every genuine believer has, that God, for Christ's sake, has blotted out his sins, and by which he is enabled to call God his Father, and feel him to be his portion. It is such an appropriating faith as this which can quench any dart of the devil. The fiery darts of the wicked - Βελος, a dart, signifies any kind of missile weapon; every thing that is projected to a distance by the hand, as a javelin, or short spear; or by a bow, as an arrow; or a stone by a sling. The fiery darts - Τα βελη τα πεπυρωμενα. It is probable that the apostle alludes to the darts called falarica, which were headed with lead, in or about which some combustible stuff was placed that took fire in the passage of the arrow through the air, and often burnt up the enemy's engines, ships, etc.; they were calculated also to stick in the shields and set them on fire. Some think that poisoned arrows may be intended, which are called fiery from the burning heat produced in the bodies of those who were wounded by them. To quench or extinguish such fiery darts the shields were ordinarily covered with metal on the outside, and thus the fire was prevented from catching hold of the shield. When they stuck on a shield of another kind and set it on fire, the soldier was obliged to cast it away, and thus became defenceless. The fiery darts of the wicked, του πονηρου, or devil, are evil thoughts, and strong injections, as they are termed, which in the unregenerate inflame the passions, and excite the soul to acts of transgression. While the faith is strong in Christ it acts as a shield to quench these. He who walks so as to feel the witness of God's Spirit that he is his child, has all evil thoughts in abhorrence; and, though they pass through his mind, they never fix in his passions. They are caught on this shield, blunted, and extinguished.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Above all--rather, "Over all"; so as to cover all that has been put on before. Three integuments are specified, the breastplate, girdle, and shoes; two defenses, the helmet and shield; and two offensive weapons, the sword and the spear (prayer). ALFORD translates, "Besides all," as the Greek is translated, Luk 3:20. But if it meant this, it would have come last in the list (compare Col 3:14). shield--the large oblong oval door-like shield of the Romans, four feet long by two and a half feet broad; not the small round buckler. ye shall be able--not merely, "ye may." The shield of faith will certainly intercept, and so "quench, all the fiery darts" (an image from the ancient fire-darts, formed of cane, with tow and combustibles ignited on the head of the shaft, so as to set fire to woodwork, tents, &c.). of the wicked--rather "of the EVIL ONE." Faith conquers him (Pe1 5:9), and his darts of temptation to wrath, lust, revenge, despair, &c. It overcomes the world (Jo1 5:4), and so the prince of the world (Jo1 5:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Above all, taking the shield of faith,.... Which may be understood either of the grace of faith, which is like a golden shield, precious, solid, and substantial; and like a shield of mighty men, by which mighty things are done, and by which the believer not only repels, but conquers the enemy. The Jews say (n), that repentance and good works are as a shield against divine vengeance: or rather of the object of faith, that which faith makes use of as a shield; so God himself is a shield, Gen 15:1; his divine perfections, as his power, faithfulness, truth, and immutability, which encompass the saints as a shield, and are opposed by faith to the temptations of Satan; also the love and favour of God, Psa 5:12; and particularly God in his word, Pro 30:5, which is a shield against false doctrines, and the wiles of Satan. Moreover, Christ is a shield, Psa 84:11; and faith makes rise of him as a shield, his person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; which it holds up and opposes to all the charges and objections of Satan; and who is the saints' protection, and security from the wrath of God, divine justice, and eternal death. The disciples of the wise men are said to be (o) "shielded men", who, as the gloss says fight in the war of the law; but they are not like Christ's disciples, who have on the shield, and fight the fight of faith: and this is "above all" to be taken, as being the most useful part of the Christian armour; or "with all", with the rest, this is to be taken, and by no means to be neglected; and it is to be used "in all"; in every temptation of Satan, in every conflict with that enemy, or any other. Wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; of the wicked one, Satan; who was the first wicked one, and the tempter of others to wickedness; and is emphatically the wicked one, being wickedness itself; and his temptations are "fiery darts": they may be compared to "darts", because they sometimes come suddenly and swiftly and thick and fast, are very numerous, and where they stick are very troublesome and grieving; see Gen 49:23. And they may be said to be "fiery", because they serve to inflame the mind, and excite to sin, as lust, anger, revenge, and the like; and were they not repelled, would be the occasion of bringing into everlasting burnings. The allusion is to , "the fiery darts", cast by enemies into towns, and upon houses, in order to burn them (p). Mention is also made of , "fiery darts", with the Jews (q), and of Satan's casting a dart at David (r): from these customs, and ways of speaking, the apostle borrows his phrases; and suggests, that the shield of faith is of use to quench the fiery darts of Satan's temptations; so that they may not have the malignant influence they are designed for; which is chiefly done by faith's dealing with the blood of Christ. And there were ways of quenching the fiery darts alluded to; which was done by skins and hides of beasts made wet, or anointed with alum (s). (n) Pirke Abot, c. 4. sect. 11. (o) T. Bab. Becorot, fol. 36. 1. & Gloss. in ib. (p) Apollodorus de Orig. Deorum, l. 2. p. 89. (q) Targum Jon. & Jerus. in Exod. xix. 13. (r) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 95. 1. & 107. 1. (s) Ammian. Marcellin. l. 20. c. 11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:16 Faith is trust in Christ as Savior or trust in God to meet one’s needs in evil times. • fiery arrows: Paul graphically pictures the nature of temptation to sin (cp. Matt 6:13; 26:41; 1 Cor 10:13; Jas 1:12-15). Arrows were sometimes dipped in pitch and ignited before being shot.
Ephesians 6:16
The Full Armor of God
15and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
About Leonard Ravenhill Video
By Leonard Ravenhill2.1K01:13PSA 3:3PSA 18:2PSA 91:4PRO 30:5EPH 6:16This sermon emphasizes the power of God's protection and provision in our lives, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's plan rather than seeking external prayers. It delves into the concept of being God's beloved children and the shield of His protection, drawing parallels between David facing Goliath with God as his shield and protector.
Full Protection
By Jim Cymbala1.8K39:29ProtectionNUM 6:25MAT 6:33LUK 17:5EPH 6:10EPH 6:16HEB 11:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having an open heart to hear from God. They use the analogy of a TV dish receiving signals to illustrate how an open heart allows God to speak and deposit things in our lives. The speaker then shifts to discussing spiritual warfare and the need to be strong in the Lord's might, not our own strength. They explain the significance of putting on the full armor of God to stand against the attacks of the enemy. The sermon concludes with a reminder to watch and pray, being vigilant and aware of what is happening around us and within us.
The Obedience of Faith
By Zac Poonen1.5K57:33EPH 6:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience to God as an expression of faith and love. It highlights the need to obey God's commandments out of a genuine belief that they are for our good, just as a parent's instructions are for the well-being of their children. The speaker stresses the significance of having a pure motive of love and faith behind our obedience, rather than seeking personal gain or avoiding punishment. The obedience of faith is portrayed as a way to experience God's love, protection, and blessings in our lives.
(October 1986) 01 - Spiritual Warfare
By Ray Lowe1.5K45:20Spiritual WarfareEZK 13:1EZK 13:4EZK 13:10MAT 6:33EPH 6:16In this sermon, the preacher addresses the battle that Christians face in the world today. He highlights the alarming issues of young people being involved in drugs, alcohol, and promiscuity. The preacher emphasizes the need for a change in the pulpit, with pastors returning to the true voice of God and being led by the Holy Spirit. He also mentions the various wars that society declares, but points out that the real enemy, the devil, is often overlooked. The preacher encourages Christians to understand the tactics of the enemy and declares that it is time to declare war on the devil.
Accident in Spain - 14-4-82 (Zaventem 23-4-82)
By George Verwer1.4K1:19:49Operation MobilisationMAT 28:19EPH 6:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being concerned for those who are suffering, such as the elderly, prisoners, and refugees. He challenges the audience to examine their own lives and consider if their goals and ambitions are trivial in comparison to the needs of others. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote about a technical issue he faced and how he praised God for His ability to provide grace in both major crises and minor inconveniences. The sermon concludes with a message of encouragement, reminding the audience that God's grace and goodness are always present and that there are no exceptions to His plans.
Fiery Darts of Immorality
By George Verwer1.3K55:03ImmoralityPRO 5:18PRO 15:221CO 7:2GAL 6:7EPH 6:161JN 1:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of using sex to communicate the gospel. He mentions a group that taught girls how to use sex to evangelize and shares examples of girls approaching men on the street and even putting their arms around them. The speaker emphasizes the dangers of these actions, stating that it is naive to think that none of these encounters would lead to sexual relationships. He then transitions to discussing the importance of having the shield of faith to protect against such temptations and provides eight points for maintaining purity, including seeking forgiveness, being honest, combating deception, seeking counseling, and being prepared for discipline. The speaker concludes by urging listeners to take a stand against the enemy and to strive for purity in their lives.
Resisting Temptation
By George Verwer1.3K51:29Resisting TemptationMAT 6:33ROM 13:141CO 10:13GAL 5:16EPH 6:16JAS 4:71PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith and putting on the shield of faith to protect against the attacks of the devil. He acknowledges that everyone comes from a sinful background, but emphasizes that in Jesus Christ, we are new creations. The speaker shares a personal story of feeling discouraged and how that led to making mistakes that caused problems in the work. He emphasizes that every individual has a part to play in the revolution against sin and that one mistake can have a significant impact. The speaker encourages listeners to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and approach their work with faith and diligence.
Spiritual Warfare - 3 "The Armor of God"
By Jim Logan1.2K48:20Spiritual WarfareMRK 4:35JHN 14:6EPH 6:14EPH 6:161TI 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truth in the life of a believer. He highlights the four-fold cord of truth, which includes the person of truth (Jesus Christ), the word of truth (the Bible), the spirit of truth (the Holy Spirit), and the church as the pillar of truth. The speaker encourages listeners to put on the belt of truth every day and stand in truth to avoid being deceived by the father of lies. He shares a personal anecdote about a missionary struggling with sharing the gospel and emphasizes the need to be rooted in truth to combat deception.
Resist the Devil by Mario Digangi - Part 5
By Mariano Di Gangi1.2K06:13JHN 15:5ROM 8:38EPH 6:10EPH 6:16PHP 4:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on the supernatural power of the Lord in the face of the kingdom of darkness. It suggests that our strength comes from Christ and that we should not rely on our own abilities. The message encourages resisting the enemy by standing firm in faith, prayer, and unity with other believers to overcome the divisive tactics of the evil one.
Christian Combat - God's Armor: What to Take
By David Guzik1.1K34:56MAT 4:4MAT 6:33JHN 14:26EPH 6:13EPH 6:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having hope and optimism in the future through a strong belief in God. He highlights that as believers, we have the assurance of victory because the Bible tells us that we win in the end. The preacher also discusses the significance of the spiritual armor mentioned in Ephesians 6:14-17, emphasizing that each piece has its own importance. He points out that there is a difference between having armor and taking armor, highlighting the need for believers to actively take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.
(Ephesians) the Wiles of the Devil
By Brian Brodersen1.1K59:28MAT 16:16EPH 6:10EPH 6:162TI 2:3In this sermon, the speaker begins by thanking God for being the good shepherd and for watching over us. He encourages the listeners to trust in God and not be discouraged by Satan's attempts to hinder their faith. The speaker then shares about a recent event where various musical groups from around the world came together to share their music and testimonies. The event was attended by a thousand people, most of whom were not Christians, providing an opportunity to share the gospel. The speaker also references John Bunyan, a Puritan who faced persecution and imprisonment for his faith, and highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of spiritual warfare.
Make Your Life Count 2
By George Verwer1.0K51:47Counting The CostMAT 6:33ROM 10:172CO 12:9EPH 6:16HEB 4:2JAS 1:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding how God works through people, rather than relying solely on one individual's ideas. He emphasizes the need for a fellowship of people who love and support one another. The speaker also addresses the challenges and discouragements that can arise when doing God's work, particularly in evangelizing the Muslim world. He encourages listeners to lay down their lives for others and open their homes as a powerful evangelistic center. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the rest of faith and the promise of a radical, loving, and compassionate lifestyle.
The Shield of Faith
By Erlo Stegen77648:25PRO 28:1MAT 10:26ROM 13:12EPH 6:10EPH 6:16HEB 4:2HEB 4:11The sermon transcript discusses the importance of having faith as a shield against the attacks of the evil one. It explains that Satan's tactics are like fiery arrows, and faith is the shield that can extinguish them. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to be strong in the Lord and to have a faith that is active and obedient. It also highlights the importance of living a life of righteousness and truth, as God sees and knows everything and will eventually expose all secrets.
The Christian Life Is a Process
By Michael Catt7031:01:31Christian LifeMAT 6:33ROM 6:1ROM 6:152CO 2:11EPH 6:16COL 2:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just having knowledge and experiences in the Christian faith, but actually using them to make a difference for God. He warns against the dangers of legalism and being consumed with feelings and emotions. The preacher uses the analogy of marines taking an island to illustrate the process of the Christian life. He explains that while God is working in us, we also need to actively go out and take ground for God, not just staying in our comfort zones. The sermon is based on Romans chapter 6 and highlights the idea that the Christian life is a continuous process of growth and transformation.
Overcoming to Reign
By Don Courville57444:33NUM 14:9JHN 16:33ROM 8:1EPH 1:3EPH 6:16HEB 12:1JAS 4:71JN 4:41JN 5:4This sermon delves into the life of Jacob, highlighting the various chapters and trials he faced, emphasizing the importance of overcoming challenges as preparation for reigning with Christ. It explores the privilege, prerequisite, position, power, promise, and conquering aspect of overcoming in the Christian walk, drawing insights from biblical teachings and personal anecdotes to encourage believers to embrace spiritual warfare and faith in God's victory.
Walk Worthy of Your Calling
By Erlo Stegen5491:08:03CallingMAT 6:33ROM 13:11EPH 6:16HEB 4:12HEB 10:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself for the coming of Jesus. Using the analogy of preparing one's house and yard for an important guest, the speaker urges the audience to examine their lives and ensure they are living in a way that would please Jesus. The speaker highlights the need to wake up from spiritual slumber and be aware of the imminent return of Jesus. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and holy life, avoiding sinful behaviors such as drunkenness, sexual immorality, quarreling, and jealousy. The speaker encourages the audience to constantly engage with scripture, pray without ceasing, and walk worthily as Christians, so that others may recognize the presence of saints in their lives.
The Law of Divine Retribution
By Don Courville50353:24GEN 32:9PSA 46:1PSA 119:105PRO 3:5PRO 29:25ROM 8:282CO 12:9EPH 6:16JAS 4:101PE 5:6This sermon focuses on the journey of Jacob, highlighting his struggles, schemes, and encounters with God. Jacob learns the importance of surrendering to God's authority, facing his fears, and praying with the right motives. Through Jacob's story, we see the significance of living under God's grace, seeking divine retribution, and ultimately finding strength in weakness through God's promises.
Lancaster Ctn Bookshop
By George Verwer47633:20MissionsMAT 6:33ROM 8:372CO 10:3EPH 6:16PHP 3:14JAS 1:221JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively participating in the race of faith rather than being a passive spectator. He encourages the use of literature in ministry, such as distributing books door to door or setting up church book tables. The speaker also dedicates a Christian bookshop to God, praying for its impact in bringing people to know Jesus. He reminds the audience of the need to deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow Jesus daily in order to experience ongoing ministry and victory over the enemy.
The People of God 05 a Happy People
By James K. Boswell40344:16PSA 139:5JHN 20:21ROM 12:11CO 6:19EPH 6:16HEB 12:141PE 5:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of being steeled by the law of the Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of faith and being in a position of favor with God. The preacher highlights the seven positions in which believers find themselves, including being shielded, defended, vindicated, and triumphant. He encourages the congregation to remember the joy and peace that comes from receiving Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The sermon also touches on the importance of treating one's body with respect and presenting it as a living sacrifice to God.
Loving Jesus and People in the Face of Reproach and Slander (1 Pet. 3:16)
By Mike Bickle1653:13Responding to SlanderSpiritual GrowthMAT 5:44MAT 10:36MAT 24:10LUK 6:22ACT 5:41EPH 6:161PE 2:231PE 3:161PE 4:12REV 12:10Mike Bickle addresses the challenges of responding to reproach and slander, emphasizing that such trials are opportunities for growth and spiritual promotion. He encourages believers to maintain a proper perspective, respond with love, and not yield to fear or anxiety when facing accusations. Bickle highlights that these experiences can reveal personal deficiencies and strengthen one's character, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God. He reminds the congregation that standing for truth may lead to slander, but it is a privilege to bear reproach for Christ's sake. The sermon concludes with a call to respond in love and prayer rather than engaging in a spirit of accusation.
God Wants Combat-Seasoned Warriors
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfareTemptationMAT 4:1LUK 22:31JHN 16:33ROM 8:371CO 10:13EPH 6:162TI 2:3HEB 2:18JAS 1:21PE 5:8David Wilkerson emphasizes that temptation is an invitation to immorality, particularly targeting Christians as they grow closer to God. He encourages believers to rejoice in trials, viewing them as training for combat-seasoned warriors, as only true children of God can be tempted. Temptation is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to God's trust in us, allowing us to witness the limitations of Satan's power. Wilkerson reminds us that Jesus faced temptation to demonstrate that Satan is ultimately powerless, and we should glorify God while using our faith to combat temptation.
Protected on God's Highway
By Erlo Stegen0HolinessUnity in the Body of ChristPSA 51:10PRO 16:18ISA 35:8MAT 11:11GAL 6:1EPH 6:162TI 1:5HEB 10:24JAS 4:71PE 5:8Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of staying on the 'highway of holiness' as described in Isaiah 35, where even the simple-minded will not go astray if they remain on this path. He highlights the dangers of straying from this way, which exposes individuals to the attacks of the devil, and stresses the necessity of unity among believers to withstand spiritual attacks. Stegen reflects on the example of John the Baptist, who, despite not performing miracles, prepared the way for Jesus through his faithfulness. He warns against the dangers of pride and sin, urging listeners to remain humble and teachable, and to return to Jesus for cleansing if they have strayed. The sermon calls for a collective faith, as seen in the faith of Timothy's family, emphasizing that isolation can lead to harm.
Epistles of John Chapter 8 the Victory
By A.B. Simpson0Victory in ChristFaithISA 41:10JHN 14:23ROM 8:37EPH 6:161JN 1:71JN 2:141JN 2:261JN 3:81JN 4:41JN 5:4A.B. Simpson emphasizes the victory believers have through Christ, asserting that the battle against evil is ultimately the Lord's. He outlines key elements of this victory: the blood of Christ, the Word of God, the anointing of the Spirit, and the divine indwelling, all of which empower believers to overcome the world. Simpson encourages Christians to recognize their identity in Christ and to rely on faith as the means to access divine strength and assurance. He highlights that true victory comes from an internal relationship with God rather than external practices. Ultimately, faith is the victory that overcomes the world, uniting believers with the power of God.
What Is Normal?
By K.P. Yohannan0Supernatural LivingFaithMAT 17:20MRK 9:23LUK 1:37JHN 17:14ACT 16:31ROM 10:172CO 5:7EPH 6:16HEB 11:1JAS 1:6K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of living by faith rather than relying on human logic and understanding. He shares the transformative experience of his brother, who believed in God's promise for his family's salvation, leading to their collective faith journey. Yohannan highlights that true faith operates in the supernatural realm, often defying our senses and logic, and encourages believers to trust in God's promises despite doubts and challenges. He warns against the enemy's tactics to discourage faith and urges Christians to resist these attacks, reminding them that all things are possible through belief. Ultimately, he calls for a return to a faith that acts on God's word, which is the normal way of life for believers.
The Devil Is Bad Enough
By K.P. Yohannan0Spiritual WarfareIdentity in ChristNUM 13:33MRK 5:1EPH 1:20EPH 6:161JN 4:4K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between demonic activity and natural occurrences, cautioning against attributing every misfortune to the devil. He recounts an encounter with a woman who believed she had a 'demon of smoking,' illustrating that some struggles stem from human nature rather than demonic influence. Yohannan reassures believers that the devil is already defeated and that they possess authority over evil forces through Christ. He warns against the danger of forgetting one's identity in Christ and encourages reliance on God's power rather than focusing solely on the enemy's tactics. The sermon also highlights the need for compassion towards those with mental and emotional struggles, advocating for appropriate treatment alongside spiritual support.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Above all, (Επι πασιν, over all the rest of the armor), taking the shield of faith - In the word θυρεος, thureos, the apostle alludes to the great oblong shield, or scutum, which covers the whole body. See its description before. And as faith is the grace by which all others are preserved and rendered active, so it is properly represented here under the notion of a shield, by which the whole body is covered and protected. Faith, in this place, must mean that evidence of things unseen which every genuine believer has, that God, for Christ's sake, has blotted out his sins, and by which he is enabled to call God his Father, and feel him to be his portion. It is such an appropriating faith as this which can quench any dart of the devil. The fiery darts of the wicked - Βελος, a dart, signifies any kind of missile weapon; every thing that is projected to a distance by the hand, as a javelin, or short spear; or by a bow, as an arrow; or a stone by a sling. The fiery darts - Τα βελη τα πεπυρωμενα. It is probable that the apostle alludes to the darts called falarica, which were headed with lead, in or about which some combustible stuff was placed that took fire in the passage of the arrow through the air, and often burnt up the enemy's engines, ships, etc.; they were calculated also to stick in the shields and set them on fire. Some think that poisoned arrows may be intended, which are called fiery from the burning heat produced in the bodies of those who were wounded by them. To quench or extinguish such fiery darts the shields were ordinarily covered with metal on the outside, and thus the fire was prevented from catching hold of the shield. When they stuck on a shield of another kind and set it on fire, the soldier was obliged to cast it away, and thus became defenceless. The fiery darts of the wicked, του πονηρου, or devil, are evil thoughts, and strong injections, as they are termed, which in the unregenerate inflame the passions, and excite the soul to acts of transgression. While the faith is strong in Christ it acts as a shield to quench these. He who walks so as to feel the witness of God's Spirit that he is his child, has all evil thoughts in abhorrence; and, though they pass through his mind, they never fix in his passions. They are caught on this shield, blunted, and extinguished.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Above all--rather, "Over all"; so as to cover all that has been put on before. Three integuments are specified, the breastplate, girdle, and shoes; two defenses, the helmet and shield; and two offensive weapons, the sword and the spear (prayer). ALFORD translates, "Besides all," as the Greek is translated, Luk 3:20. But if it meant this, it would have come last in the list (compare Col 3:14). shield--the large oblong oval door-like shield of the Romans, four feet long by two and a half feet broad; not the small round buckler. ye shall be able--not merely, "ye may." The shield of faith will certainly intercept, and so "quench, all the fiery darts" (an image from the ancient fire-darts, formed of cane, with tow and combustibles ignited on the head of the shaft, so as to set fire to woodwork, tents, &c.). of the wicked--rather "of the EVIL ONE." Faith conquers him (Pe1 5:9), and his darts of temptation to wrath, lust, revenge, despair, &c. It overcomes the world (Jo1 5:4), and so the prince of the world (Jo1 5:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Above all, taking the shield of faith,.... Which may be understood either of the grace of faith, which is like a golden shield, precious, solid, and substantial; and like a shield of mighty men, by which mighty things are done, and by which the believer not only repels, but conquers the enemy. The Jews say (n), that repentance and good works are as a shield against divine vengeance: or rather of the object of faith, that which faith makes use of as a shield; so God himself is a shield, Gen 15:1; his divine perfections, as his power, faithfulness, truth, and immutability, which encompass the saints as a shield, and are opposed by faith to the temptations of Satan; also the love and favour of God, Psa 5:12; and particularly God in his word, Pro 30:5, which is a shield against false doctrines, and the wiles of Satan. Moreover, Christ is a shield, Psa 84:11; and faith makes rise of him as a shield, his person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; which it holds up and opposes to all the charges and objections of Satan; and who is the saints' protection, and security from the wrath of God, divine justice, and eternal death. The disciples of the wise men are said to be (o) "shielded men", who, as the gloss says fight in the war of the law; but they are not like Christ's disciples, who have on the shield, and fight the fight of faith: and this is "above all" to be taken, as being the most useful part of the Christian armour; or "with all", with the rest, this is to be taken, and by no means to be neglected; and it is to be used "in all"; in every temptation of Satan, in every conflict with that enemy, or any other. Wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; of the wicked one, Satan; who was the first wicked one, and the tempter of others to wickedness; and is emphatically the wicked one, being wickedness itself; and his temptations are "fiery darts": they may be compared to "darts", because they sometimes come suddenly and swiftly and thick and fast, are very numerous, and where they stick are very troublesome and grieving; see Gen 49:23. And they may be said to be "fiery", because they serve to inflame the mind, and excite to sin, as lust, anger, revenge, and the like; and were they not repelled, would be the occasion of bringing into everlasting burnings. The allusion is to , "the fiery darts", cast by enemies into towns, and upon houses, in order to burn them (p). Mention is also made of , "fiery darts", with the Jews (q), and of Satan's casting a dart at David (r): from these customs, and ways of speaking, the apostle borrows his phrases; and suggests, that the shield of faith is of use to quench the fiery darts of Satan's temptations; so that they may not have the malignant influence they are designed for; which is chiefly done by faith's dealing with the blood of Christ. And there were ways of quenching the fiery darts alluded to; which was done by skins and hides of beasts made wet, or anointed with alum (s). (n) Pirke Abot, c. 4. sect. 11. (o) T. Bab. Becorot, fol. 36. 1. & Gloss. in ib. (p) Apollodorus de Orig. Deorum, l. 2. p. 89. (q) Targum Jon. & Jerus. in Exod. xix. 13. (r) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 95. 1. & 107. 1. (s) Ammian. Marcellin. l. 20. c. 11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:16 Faith is trust in Christ as Savior or trust in God to meet one’s needs in evil times. • fiery arrows: Paul graphically pictures the nature of temptation to sin (cp. Matt 6:13; 26:41; 1 Cor 10:13; Jas 1:12-15). Arrows were sometimes dipped in pitch and ignited before being shot.