Paul’s “Armor of God” Discussion: A Pneumatological Engagement with a Critical Formation Text

Abstract

The aim of this article is a treatment of Ephesians 6:10–20 that is both exegetically responsible and existentially impactful. After identifying some of the key earmarks of what I consider to be an exegetically responsible handling of this passage, I endeavor to indicate what a Spirit-sensitive (pneumatologically real) interpretation of (and approach to) putting on the full armor of God might look like. Central to my argument is the suggestion that, given the importance of the Holy Spirit to Paul’s theology as a whole and his letter to the Ephesians in particular, anything other than a Spirit-sensitive reading of his “armor of God” discussion will fail to be exegetically responsible. As well, this article will suggest that it’s a Spirit-sensitive (pneumatologically real) reading of this discussion that will underwrite presentations of it that prove to be genuinely catalytic (change-effecting) in the lives of congregants.