12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,(A) but against the rulers, against the authorities,(B) against the powers(C) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.(D) 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God,(E) so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

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12 For (A)we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against (B)the rulers, against the authorities, against (C)the cosmic powers over (D)this present darkness, against (E)the spiritual forces of evil (F)in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore (G)take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in (H)the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

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12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day[a] comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.

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Footnotes

  1. 6.13 that evil day: Either the present (see 5.16) or “the day of death” or “the day of judgment.”

12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

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.

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Footnotes

  1. 6:12 Some manuscripts read you.

A Fight to the Finish

10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

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