Full Eph 6:17, Isa 49:2, Heb 4:12. The gladius / machaira — the Roman short sword, double-edged. OT echo: Isa 49:2 — "made my mouth like a sharp sword." Greek note: Paul uses rhēma (spoken word, the specifically-spoken-in-the-moment word) rather than logos (written word, the whole Bible as static document). The sword is not the Bible-as-book; it is the specific scriptural word spoken at the specific moment of need (cf. Christ quoting Deuteronomy in the wilderness temptation, Matt 4). Featured commentary: Gurnall (PD).
Sword of the Spirit
Eph 6:17b + Isa 49:2 + Heb 4:12 — the *gladius* and the rhēma vs. logos distinction.
Primary passage:Ephesians 6:17 →
Commentary
Featured voice
John Calvin
Commentaries
1. Children, obey. Why does the apostle use the word obey instead of honor, which has a greater extent of meaning? It is because Obedience is the evidence of that honor which children owe to their parents, and is therefore more earnestly enforced. It is likewise more difficult; for the…
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