New Testament and Roman Military

The biblical authors frequently use military terminology as metaphors to help people better understand the meaning of their words, “taking every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). Among the most famous examples is Paul’s description in Ephesians 6:13-17: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” To fully understand these metaphors, let’s look at some common military knowledge from the Roman period.

“Girding your loins” is a common biblical metaphor. At that time, people wore long robes, and girding their loins was a necessary preparatory step before work, racing, or fighting. Before donning armor, the underlying garments first needed to be tied up.

The “breastplate” is used to protect the heart. God Himself “put on righteousness as a breastplate” (Isaiah 59:17). If our actions adhere to God’s principle of “righteousness,” our conscience will not feel guilty, and we will not fear Satan’s accusations.

The “shoes” refer to the footwear worn by Roman soldiers, which had thick leather soles studded with hobnails and iron spikes, protecting their feet and allowing them to walk faster and more steadily. For us to “stand firm” in battle, we must rely on the Gospel, which brings peace to life, and have the assurance of salvation in our hearts.

The “shield” mentioned is a long, door-shaped shield that could cover most of the body.

“Flaming darts” in the New Testament era typically referred to arrows wrapped with flax tow soaked in pitch, which were then set on fire. Therefore, wooden shields had to be covered with leather to quickly extinguish the flames. The enemy meticulously designs fiery darts in the form of sharp tongues, impurity, selfishness, doubt, fear, and despair. Only by relying on the faith given by God can we extinguish these “flaming darts” shot at us.

The “helmet” is used to protect the head. God Himself “put on salvation as a helmet” (Isaiah 59:17). This salvation is God’s gift, which we can receive with assurance, having a complete hope of deliverance from sin (1 Thessalonians 5:8; Psalm 140:7).

The triumph ceremony was a celebratory ritual granted by ancient Rome to generals who achieved significant victories; it was the greatest and most popular honor for Romans. The procession during a triumph was typically very long, with the following order: members of the Senate, trumpeters, carts loaded with spoils of war, white bulls for sacrifice, weapons and emblems of the conquered leaders, the conquered leaders and their relatives, other prisoners of war, the triumphant general’s retinue, the triumphant general himself standing in a chariot, the general’s adult sons and his lieutenants, legates, military tribunes, cavalry commanders, and finally, the general’s soldiers. When a Roman Empire general returned in triumph, he would lead his victorious soldiers and captives into the city in a “triumphal procession” to be displayed to the citizens. During the procession, Roman priests would carry lit censers, swinging them as they walked, releasing a “fragrance” that everyone present could smell. This “fragrance,” for the victorious general, soldiers, and cheering crowds, represented the joy of victory; but for the captives, it signified impending enslavement or execution. [2 Corinthians 2:14-16] “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?” Similarly, the Gospel, for those who hear it and reject it, becomes the basis for their condemnation (John 3:18), “a fragrance from death to death,” and their end is destruction. But for those who hear it and believe, it is the power of God for their salvation (Romans 1:16), “a fragrance from life to life,” and their end is eternal life.

We must submit ourselves to God’s authority and always remain under Christ’s leadership, walking before God, only then can our path carry the fragrant aroma of Christ. When we indulge our own stubbornness and follow our own reasoning, we lose the fragrant aroma of Christ and are no longer able to supply the life of Christ.