Ephesians 6:10-6:24

This last passage is quite clear, and as such, there is little that I can do to supplement the text. We are told to be strong and to trust in the Lord, a command repeated throughout the Word. (See Joshua 1 for an example.) By doing so, we may have a chance at resisting the evil one. We have all proven that we cannot stand against him alone, but we know that our savior will defeat him simply by speaking.

In the passage comparing our life to that of a Roman soldier, the only offensive weapon that a soldier carried was his sword, and the only weapon that we carry is the word of God. Note that this is not a weapon that we wield, but one from above. This is like an Old Testament battle, in which the Israelites fought but God did most of the work of defeating the enemy. Jude 1:9 also demonstrates this concept.

Paul tells us to pray at all times in the Spirit, petitioning for the saints (likely facing persecution). He asks for prayer for himself. He does not directly ask for prayer to be released from prison, only that he be used to spread the good news. He more directly asks for boldness.

Paul also tells those in Ephesus that he is sending a messenger to them who will give more details of his condition. He ends his letter as he began it, speaking of the grace of God.