Protection.
We need “ABOVE all” the Shield of Faith (Christ) to shield us from the enemies’ attacks.
Ephesians 6:16 KJV
Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Study
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 (Luke 3:20).
But if it meant this, it would have come last in the list (compare Colossians 3:14).
Shield
The large oblong oval door-like shield of the Romans, four feet long by two and a half feet wide; not the small round buckler.
A shield is a general fence for the whole body, especially for the principal parts, the head and heart. The use of it is to avoid blows of all kinds.
In a similar way faith defends the whole man from all sorts of temptations cast against him by any of his spiritual enemies, the flesh, world, or devil.
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 (1 Peter 5:9), and his darts of temptation to wrath, lust, revenge, despair, &c.
It overcomes the world (1 John 5:4), and so the prince of the world (1 John 5:18).
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