And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Take, х dexasthe (G1209)] - different Greek from Ephesians 6:13; Ephesians 6:16. 'Receive' the helmet provided by the Lord-namely, "salvation," appropriated already, as 1 Thessalonians 5:8, "helmet, the hope of salvation;" not uncertain, but bringing with it no shame of disappointment. It is subjoined to the shield of faith, as its inseparable accompaniment (cf. Romans 5:1; Romans 5:5). The head was among the principal parts to be defended, as on it the deadliest strokes might fall, and it commands the whole body. The head is the seat of the mind, which, when it has the sure "hope" of eternal life, will not receive false doctrine, or give way to Satan's temptation to despair. God, by this hope, "lifts up the head" (Psalms 3:3; Luke 21:28).
Sword of the Spirit - i:e., furnished by the Spirit, who inspired the writers of the Word (2 Peter 1:21). The Gospel word is "the power of God" to the believer (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18). The Trinity is implied: the Spirit here; Christ in "salvation;" and God the Father, Ephesians 6:13 (cf. Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12). The two-edged sword, cutting both ways (Psalms 45:3; Psalms 45:5), some with conviction and conversion, others with condemnation (Isaiah 11:4; Revelation 19:15), is in the mouth of Christ (Isaiah 49:2), in the hand of His saints (Psalms 149:6). Christ's use of it in the temptation is our pattern how we are to wield it against Satan (Matthew 4:4; Matthew 4:7; Matthew 4:10). There is no armour for the back, but only for the front; we must never turn our back to the foe (Luke 9:62); our only safety is in resisting ceaselessly (Matthew 4:11; James 4:7).