Loading…
VRSZ
This sets the art on your cards and whose commentary you read on each verse. You can change it later in settings.
Translation
Loading…
What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Wherefore," saith he, "take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand." By "evil day" he means the present life, and calls it too "this present evil world", from the evils which are done in it. It is as much as to say, Always be armed. And again, "having done all," saith he; that is, both passions, and vile lusts, and all things else that trouble us. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
That is, in the present age, because he calls it an evil day from the evil deeds committed in it. He also encourages by pointing out that the time of struggle is brief. For, by calling it a day, he indicates its brevity. Having overcome all passions and shameful desires, that is, having conquered and put them to death. And since many have fallen even after victory, he says: "to stand." Even after victory, firmness is needed, so that the one defeated does not rise up in war again. …
Tatian the Assyrian
But now this they can by no means effect, for they have not the power; but they make war by means of the lower matter against the matter that is like themselves. Should any one wish to conquer them, let him repudiate matter. Being armed with the breastplate of the celestial Spirit, he will be able to preserve all that is encompassed by it.
Western Saints
Jerome
The "evil day" may arguably signify the present time.… But the better interpretation is that "to stand in the evil day" is a reference to the final consummation and judgment. Then the devil, our enemy and our adversary, will struggle to keep us in his clutches. Who will be freed from him? …
Thomas Aquinas
The Apostle explained the devil's snares previously (6:12), and here he advises us to take up arms. Thus he says: You have evil enemies who are powerful and most wicked, and the struggle is for an exacting object since it is for heaven. Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that is, be armed with spiritual weapons. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to God unto the pulling down of fortifications, destroying counsels" (2 Cor. 10:4). And this that you may be able to resist. …
Translation