Ephesians 6 v 16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
The shield mentioned here is the Legionaire scutum. This was a type of shield which covered the whole body (see photo below).
Roman soldiers would interlock these shields together to create an armour which would protect the whole group.
There were other shields, but Paul particularly chooses this shield. I suspect it’s because he wanted to make the point that the best way for the Church to fight, is to be together, supporting each other.
Faith or Faithfulness
The Greek word translated into the word ‘faith’ is pistos. It has two main meanings, trust or faithfulness.
When we come to the word ‘faith’ in the New Testament, we can usually substitute the word trust or faithfulness into the verse.
Maybe think of a few verses which contain the word faith and substitute the word with trust or faithfulness. It can give a fresh perspective.
So the Shield of Faith reminds us that the best way to be protected against spiritual attacks is to remain faithful to God and trust in Him.
Fiery Darts
The verse particular says the Shield protects us from the flaming arrows of the Evil One.
I have read that the scutum was sometimes soaked in water before a battle. This would help extinguish attacks from flaming arrows.
Arrows and Gods
In the ancient pagan world, many gods were depicted with arrows and lightning bolts. Is Paul connecting these flaming arrows with spiritual attacks which come from these demons (pagan gods)? For an early Christian, they would likely see this connection.
Today, we don’t see these gods (demons) worshipped, but we do experience spiritual attacks from demonic sources. By remaining faithful to God and trusting Him, these attacks will not prevail against us.
That's fascinating about the type of shield being the legionary shield. It's very suggestive. I guess it would be within the Roman experience to be carrying this shield and being harassed by darts from fast-moving raiders on horseback where it will be some time before you can do anything offensive so you just need to be patient, hold on, and protect your comrades.
Amen, yes, the "turtle shell" defense used by the Roman soldiers.
We so need our faith community, our sisters and brothers, to help us stand firm in spiritual warfare.
Re: trust and faithfulness, good reminders that they are integral to our standing firm. And, I'm grateful that Father God is faithful and will help me to persevere with His strength, with His power.