⁷ in truthful speech^(A) and in the power of God;^(B) with weapons of righteousness^(C) in the right hand and in the left;

² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(A) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(B) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(C) in the sight of God.

¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.^(A)

¹¹ Put on the full armor of God,^(A) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,^(B) but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(C) against the powers^(D) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.^{(E) 13} Therefore put on the full armor of God,^(F) so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,^(G) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,^{(H) 15} and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.^{(I) 16} In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,^(J) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(K) 17} Take the helmet of salvation^(L) and the sword of the Spirit,^(M) which is the word of God.^(N)

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit^(O) on all occasions^(P) with all kinds of prayers and requests.^(Q) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying^(R) for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me,^(S) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly^(T) make known the mystery^(U) of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador^(V) in chains.^(W) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

¹⁸ He chose to give us birth^(A) through the word of truth,^(B) that we might be a kind of firstfruits^(C) of all he created.