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The Armour of a Christian

Spiritual warfare and the armour of a Roman soldier.
Contributed by Rev. Yves Langevin
Story also available on our translated website: Hindi
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A Roman soldier wore a linen undershirt and a tunic (Cingulum) made of wool. – Slide 1
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Over this he placed a belt (Cintus) with protective strips of leather, strengthened with metal disks. – Slide 2
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The body armour (Lorica Segmentata) was made from overlapping iron strips, fastened with hooks and laces at the front and hinged at the back. These were held together by vertical leather strips on the inside. The armour allowed the soldier to bend whilst being well protected. It was strengthened by front and back plates below the neck. The shoulders were protected by curved pieces of iron. – Slide 3
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Roman boots were made of several thicknesses of leather, studded with conical hobnails for marching over rough ground and using on the enemy when he had fallen. The metal studs on the soles helped prevent the leather wearing down quickly. – Slide 4
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On the left side of the soldier's body was his trusty shield (Scutum). It was a semi-circular shield, designed so that any missiles thrown at the soldier would be deflected to one side. This would require less effort by the soldier to defend himself. – Slide 5
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A soldier’s helmet (Cassis) had a protrusion at the front above the rim to protect his forehead. The helmet was shaped to prevent sword blows from penetrating the helmet and causing head injuries. The rear of the helmet had a guard that protected the neck from sword blows. – Slide 6
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The sword (Gladius) was worn on the right side of his body. This enabled it to be drawn underarm with his right hand without interfering with the shield which he carried in his left hand. – Slide 7
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The sword was light and short (no more than 50 cm) so soldiers could use it for stabbing quickly. – Slide 8
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When Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus he said, ‘I want to remind you that your strength must come from the Lord’s mighty power within you. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan. We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against evil powers. – Slide 9
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‘ So use every piece of God’s armour to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up. To do this, you will need the strong belt of truth … – Slide 10
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‘… and on your chest wear the protection of right living.’ – Slide 11
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‘Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. – Slide 12
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‘In every battle you will need faith as your shield … – Slide 13
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‘… to stop the fiery arrows … – Slide 14
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‘… aimed at you by Satan. – Slide 15
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‘And you will need the helmet of salvation… – Slide 16
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‘… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. – Slide 17
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‘Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all God’s people.’ – Slide 18
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Slide 19