Why do you suppose we have such a detailed description of the armor in Eph. 6:10-17? Why did the Holy Spirit see fit to specify the parts that make up the protection God has given the Christian for this battle with Satan? Many have suggested various theories. The most plausible one to this writer centers on the backdrop to the Ephesian letter itself.
Paul wrote Ephesians (along with 3 other epistles) during his first Roman imprisonment (ca. 63 A.D.). It has been surmised that while in prison, Paul would have been very familiar with the dress of the Roman soldiers that kept watch over him. Many prisoners were even chained to a guard. This would provide Paul a great mental picture from which to expound upon the armorment the Lord's disciples need in the great battle for the soul.
The Girdle (v. 14)
This was the foundation garment of the ancient soldier. Akin to a modern-day belt, it tied the soldier's clothing to his body. It supported him in battle. It held in place his sword or other weaponry. It was absolutely essential to his uniform, providing a sort of soundness to his entire dress. Without the girdle, he would be completely ill-prepared for fighting.
Paul orders the Christian to "gird the loins" with truth. God supplies the belt, but the Christian must strap it on (Lk. 12:35-37). It is not coincidental that Paul begins with this piece of the armor. "Truth" has reference to revealed spiritual reality. It is the collective body of doctrinal certainty that comes from the mind of God Himself (1 Cor. 2:6-13). The successful defense of our souls against Satan's undaunting attacks will not happen until and unless we immerse ourselves with truth. It is truth that makes us free (Jn. 8:31-32). It is truth that sets us apart from the sinful world ruled by our attacker (Jn. 17:17). We must arm ourselves with all the actualities and unimpeachable certainties of sacred truth.
God desires we gird our "loins" (the innermost part of self) with His words of truth (Psa. 51:6). It is what gets us ready for Satan's assault. Without it, we are destined to utter and eternal ruin.
