Armor of God is The Armor of Peace

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There’s a famous passage in Ephesians where Paul tells his readers to “put on the full armour of God,” and for centuries we’ve speculated about exactly where this image comes from. One possible answer is perhaps also the simplest: Paul is writing from prison, probably in Rome, and he’s got nothing to do but stare at the guard standing in front of him.

That’s it. That’s the theological origin story. A guy in a cell, riffing on what he sees.

But here’s what makes the moment interesting. That Roman guard isn’t just a guy doing his job. He’s the physical embodiment of every misshapen structure and imperial authority that put Paul behind bars because of his convictions. And so Paul looks at this guard, all that metal and leather and state-sanctioned power, and says something remarkable:

You’re not my enemy.

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