
In his section about the armor of God, Paul speaks about resisting the enemy. Ephesians 6: 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.[1]
In the Bible, to resist means to stand firm against, to oppose, or to strive against an external force, temptation, or authority. The primary biblical Greek and Hebrew words translated as “resist” (anthistēmi and antitassomai) literally mean to “set oneself against” or “range in battle against.”[2]
In history, we see people setting up resistance groups in Europe during WWII. These groups sought to harass and undermine Nazi control in any way they could. They used non-cooperation, propaganda, sabotage, espionage, and armed combat to oppose Nazi rule. We must apply the same concept as we fight against spiritual evil.
Therefore
Ephesians 6:13 begins with the word “therefore.” This means that Paul is connecting a cause to its effect. In verse 12, Paul had just described the enemy Satan and his helpers. Our real enemy isn’t people but spiritual powers. We don’t want to waste our time fighting humans when we should be fighting the devil. As a consequence, Paul repeats what he said in verse 11 and adds to it.
From this we can understand that the spiritual battle is real. Paul doesn’t say there might be a battle; he speaks of when there is a battle. Basically, this will happen, so you must be ready to resist. Forewarned is forearmed. One of satan’s strategies is to get us to think he doesn’t exist. That allows him to act without us resisting. But if we are ready for the battle, our resistance hinders him.
Take Off to Put On
Earlier in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul had used a clothing image. Ephesians 4: 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. [3]
Now in chapter 6, in addition to the new nature, we are to put on God’s armor. Some translations say, “take up.” In that day, “take up” was a technical military term describing preparation for battle.[4] We must be ready for the battle. While Christ wins the war against satan, we can lose individual battles if we are not prepared.
Paul isn’t the only one to speak about resisting the devil; James and Peter agree. James 4: 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.[5] 1 Peter 5: 9 Resist him (the devil), firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.[6] Be prepared to keep resisting the enemy on your faith journey. To learn more, listen here:
[1,3,5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[2]https://av1611.com/kjbp/kjv-dictionary/resist.html
[4] Barton, B. B., & Comfort, P. W. (1996). Ephesians (p. 131). Tyndale House Publishers.
[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Pe 5:8–9). (2025). Crossway Bibles.








