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Ephesians 6:10-20
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• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition and sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • Chapter XIII, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians, Ignatius of Antioch (c. 110). (Longer version only - 4th cent interpolation.)
  • Chapter II, Chapter IV, The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians, Polycarp of Smyrna (c 115).
  • I.X.1, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter IX, Adversus Judaeos, Tertullian (c. 198)
  • Chapter XXIII, Chapter XXVIII, On Prayer,  Tertullian (c. 199)
  • Chapter XI, Exhortation to the Greeks, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • II.13, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Chapter XXXIX, The Prescription of Heretics, Tertullian (c. 200)
  • II.20, IV.7, V.14, VII.3, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • III.14, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 209)
  • V.18, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 212)
  • Concerning Flight in Persecution (paragraph 9) Tertullian (c. 212)
  • III.II.1, III.II.4, First Principles (De Principiis), Origen. (c.225)
  • X.18, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Philocalia [anthology of Origen prepared by St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen], Origen. (c.230)
  • VIII.XXXIV, VIII.LXXIII, Against Celsus, Origen (c. 246)
  • X.14, XI.9, XII.13, XIII.4, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Origen. (c.247)
  • Epistle LV -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 252)
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "...he warns us to take up the armour of God, for with it alone may our enemy be dispatched."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Those who would prove themselves to have true grace, must aim at all grace; and put on the whole armour of God, which he prepares and bestows."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Brethren - This is the only place in this epistle where he uses this compellation. Soldiers frequently use it to each other in the field."
  • Of Evil Angels (Eph 6:12). Sermon by John Wesley.
    • "But whether or no particular men are attended by particular evil spirits, we know that Satan and all his angels are continually warring against us, and watching over every child of man."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "Flesh and blood foes are Satan's mere tools, the real foe lurking behind them is Satan himself, with whom our conflict is."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Against the wiles of the devil. The great enemy. The armor was designed not only to protect, but there were weapons also with which to assail him."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Ephesians 6:10-20, Sarah Henrich, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2015.
    • "As the letter to assemblies of believers in Ephesus and throughout the great cities of Asia Minor draws to a close, the author offers a final extended metaphor for how a person of faith in Jesus as God's own anointed one, Lord over all, might shape the life of believers."
  • Bible Leads, Deeply Plaid, 2015.
  • "The Politics of White Supremacy," Robert Williamson, Jr., Political Theology Today, 2015.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, Stan Mast, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, illustration ideas, 2015.
  • Commentary, Ephesians 6:10-20, Melinda Quivik, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2012.
    • "It is not to fight against other people. It is not a triumphal war to form a Christian government (a theocracy like that endorsed today by various religious traditions). It is not a struggle opposing non-Christians or back-sliders or even one's own petty and enormous inabilities."
  • "God's Armor," Faith Element Discipleship System, "Setting the Bible Free," 2012.
  • Commentary, Ephesians 6:10-20, Susan Hylen, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
    • "While modern Christians are likely to have a view of heaven as a paradise in which no evil dwells, the writer of Ephesians is drawing on a different set of cultural assumptions, one in which a struggle between cosmic forces occurs within the heavenly realm. Christians, who already reign with Christ in some sense, are obligated to participate in this struggle."
  • Radical Gratitude, lectionary-based stewardship, Northwest United Methodist Foundation. (.pdf)
  • "First Thoughts on Year B Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 13, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Prayer and solidarity, ongoing connectedness with God and mutual support, belong to the kind of spirituality we need to sustain courageous and authentic Christianity."
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "The Whole Armor of God," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • Commentary, Ephesians 6:10-20, Luke A. Powery, The African American Lectionary, 2008.
    • "The aim in the battle of life is peace. Black men can still fight, but with a divine word, a word that brings peace to stormy streets. Young men don?t have to pull out a gun to wage war, but just need a word of peace to fight the powers."
  • Join the Feast, Ephesians 6:10-20, David Cameron, Union PSCE, 2009.
    • "The shoes of the gospel of peace interest me. My son has autism and doesn't speak, so much of the communication in our house is non-verbal. When my wife and I come down each morning the first thing my son does is check our shoes. He's learned that the shoes we have on speak volumes about the kind of day we have planned. Dress shoes mean work. Scuffed slip-ons mean a casual, more relaxed day around the house."
  • "Satan and the Powers," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Apocalyptic Vision" Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2010. (Ephesians 3:7-13 / 6:10-12)
  • "Peace with Our Enemies," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Peace and War," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004.
  • "Standing Firm in Thought and Practice," "Thinking and Practicing Reconciliation": The Ephesians Texts for Pentecost 8-14, Ronald Olson, Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1997.
  • Ephesians 6:10-20, Reconciled in Christ: Ministry in Light of Ephesians, Wendell W. Frerichs, Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1988.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Adewuya, J Ayodeji, "The spiritual powers of Ephesians 6 in the light of African Pentecostal spirituality," Bulletin for Biblical Research, 2012.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Arnold, Clinton E., "The 'Exorcism' of Ephesians 6.12 in Recent Research: A Critique of Wesley Carr's View of the Role of Evil Powers in First-Century AD Belief," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1987.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bolt, John, "Satan Is Alive and Well in Contemporary Imagination: A Bibliographic Essay with Notes on 'Hell' and 'Spiritual Warfare'," Calvin Theological Journal, 1994.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Carson, "God, the Bible and Spiritual Warfare: A Review Article," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1999.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Easley, Kendell H., "The Pauline Usage of PNEUMATI As a Reference to the Spirit of God," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1984.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Eckel, Paul T., "Between Text and Sermon - Ephesians 6:10-20," Interpretation, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Edinger, Gerald, "Strategic-Level Spiritual Warfare in Historical Retrospect," Direction, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Fitzgerald, Matt, "Living by the Word: Ephesians 6:10-20," The Christian Century, 2009.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Forbes, Chris, "Paul's Principalities and Powers: Demythologizing Apocalyptic?" Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2001.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Frerichs, Wendell W., "Reconciled in Christ: Ministry in Light of Ephesians," Word & World, 1988.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Friesen, Randy, "Equipping Principles for Spiritual Warfare," Direction, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Guelich, Robert A., "Spiritual Warfare: Jesus, Paul and Perretti," Pneuma, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gudorf, Michael E., "The Use of PALH in Ephesians 6:12," Journal of Biblical Journal, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hiebert, Paul G., "Spiritual Warfare and Worldview," Direction, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Holt-Woehl, Hollie M., "Putting on the whole armor of God: preaching Ephesians 6:10-20 in a mullticultural congregation," Word & World, 2009.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hullinger, Jerry M., "The Historical Background of Paul's Athletic Allusions," Bibliotheca Sacra, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Janzen, Gerald, "Divine Warfare and Nonresistance," Direction, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Olson, Ronald, "'Thinking and Practicing Reconciliation': The Ephesians Texts for Pentecost 8-14," Word & World, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Ortberg, John, "Roll Call," The Christian Century, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Reinhard, Donna R., "Ephesians 6:10-18: A Call to Personal Piety: Another Way of Describing Union with Christ," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Robeck, Cecil M., Jr., "Signs, Wonders, Warfare, and Witness," Pneuma, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Shuman, Joel, "Naming Medicine Among the Powers," Ex Auditu, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • "A Response to Shuman," Stephen Bilynskyj.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Stritecky, Jolene Marie, "Israel, America, and the Ancestors: Narratives of Spiritual Warfare in a Pentecostal Denomination in Solomon Islands," Journal of Ritual Studies, 2001.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Sundberg, Walter, "Satan the Enemy," Word & World, 2008.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wesselschmidt, Quentin F., "Homiletical Helps on LW Series B," Concordia Journal, 2006. (Section on this text begins on p. 323)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wild, Robert A., S.J., "The Warrior and the Prisoner: Some Reflections on Ephesians 6:10-20," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1984.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "Put on the Whole Armor of God," from a series of sermons on the book of Ephesians by Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Washington.
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Proper 16B, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," 2015, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
  • Mustard Seeds, Proper 16, 2012. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "Armor of God," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "Junk Food Christians," and "The Armor of God," Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • "Armor of God," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
  • "The Whole Armor of God," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
  • Crossword on the Full Armor of God, Don Crownover's Bible Puzzles.
• Drama:
  • Mustard Seeds, Proper 16, 2012. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "Not My Fight," Josh Powell, dramatix.
  • "Mission In-Payerable," John McNeil, dramatix.
  • "Common Ground," Michael Humphrey, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • "God's Armor," Faith Element Discipleship System, "Setting the Bible Free," 2012.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Ephesians 5:10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • "Fight the Good Fight," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn, a new, relevant hymn set to traditional tunes.
  • Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • Standing on the Promises
    • Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus!
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
• Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
  • Confrontation with Evil
  • Spiritual Struggle
  • Alternate Realities/Powers
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Ephesians

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS
• NARRATIVE LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• DAILY LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE
• PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

• Year C
• Maundy Thurs Apr 14
• Good Friday Apr 15
• Easter Day Apr 17
• Easter 2 Apr 24
• Easter 3 May 1
• Easter 4 May 8
• Easter 5 May 15
• Easter 6 May 22
• Ascension May 26
• Easter 7 May 29
• Pentecost June 5
  

• Calendars
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• YEAR B
• YEAR C

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