Ephesians 6:11

Put on (endusasqe). Like Ephesians 3:12 . See also Ephesians 4:24 . The whole armour (thn panoplian). Old word from panoplo (wholly armed, from pan, oplon). In N.T. only Luke 11:22 ; Ephesians 6:11 Ephesians 6:13 . Complete armour in this period included "shield, sword, lance, helmet, greaves, and breastplate" (Thayer). Our "panoply." Polybius gives this list of Thayer. Paul omits the lance (spear). Our museums preserve specimens of this armour as well as the medieval coat-of-mail. Paul adds girdle and shoes to the list of Polybius, not armour but necessary for the soldier. Certainly Paul could claim knowledge of the Roman soldier's armour, being chained to one for some three years. That ye may be able to stand (pro to dunasqai uma sthnai). Purpose clause with pro to and the infinitive (dunasqai) with the accusative of general reference (uma) and the second aorist active infinitive sthnai (from isthmi) dependent on dunasqai. Against (pro). Facing. Another instance of pro meaning "against" ( Colossians 2:23 ). The wiles of the devil (ta meqodia tou diabolou). See already Ephesians 4:14 for this word. He is a crafty foe and knows the weak spots in the Christian's armour.