Ephesians 6:11–24

¹¹Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil’s strategies. ¹²This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. ¹³For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days.^cOnce you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground. 

¹⁴So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God’s approval as your breastplate. ¹⁵Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. ¹⁶In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Also take salvation as your helmet and God’s word as the sword that the Spirit supplies. 

¹⁸Pray in the Spirit^din every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God’s people. ¹⁹Also pray that God will give me the right words to say. Then I will speak boldly when I reveal the mystery of the Good News. ²⁰Because I have already been doing this as Christ’s representative, I am in prison. So pray that I speak about this Good News as boldly as I have to. 

Greetings from Paul

²¹I’m sending Tychicus to you. He is our dear brother and a faithful deaconin the Lord’s work. He will tell you everything that is happening to me so that you will know how I’m getting along. ²²That’s why I’m sending him to you so that you may know how we’re doing and that he may encourage you. 

²³May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give our brothers and sisters peace and love along with faith. ²⁴His favor^fis with everyone who has an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.