Ephesians 6:17

The second main verb in this long sentence (Ephesians 6:14-20) is "take" or, better, "receive" or "accept" (Gr. dexasthe). In addition to standing firm, having received and having already put on four pieces of armor, we also need to receive and put on two more.

Since Christians are to put this salvation on, the salvation or deliverance in view seems to refer to the present and future deliverance we need when under attack by Satan (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:8). We have already received salvation from condemnation. We receive this present salvation (deliverance) as we receive all salvation, namely, by calling on God and requesting it (cf. Ephesians 1:15-23; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13).

This salvation is evidently similar to a helmet because deliverance involves a mental choice, namely, trust in God rather than self, and obedience to Him. Confidence in God becomes our salvation and so protects our thinking when we are under attack.

The sword carried by the Roman infantryman (Gr. machaira) was short and two-edged. Soldiers used it to thrust and cut in hand-to-hand combat. In Paul’s description it is the soldier’s only offensive weapon. Infantrymen usually also carried a long spear, but Paul did not mention that in his analogy. The word of God is similar to this short sword for the Christian. "Word" (Gr. rhema) refers to the utterance of God rather than to the written Word or the living Word of God (Gr. logos). It seems most likely to refer to the words of Scripture that we use to counteract the particular temptation we face. It is the appropriate Scripture spoken or put to use by the Christian in a given instance of temptation that is in view (e.g., Matthew 4:4; Matthew 4:6; Matthew 4:10).

"As Jesus used the words of Scripture to repulse the tempter, so must the Christian the words the Spirit has inspired to drive away Satan." [Note: John A. Allen, The Epistle to the Ephesians, p. 138.]

The Holy Spirit both gives the word and empowers it as we use it. It is His sword (cf. Isaiah 49:2).