Matthew Poole and continuators on Ephesians 6:14

14. Stand therefore having yourloyns girt about with truth , and having on the breast-plate of righteousness .

Standing here (in a different sense from what it was taken in before) seems to imply watchfulness, readyness for the Combate, and keeping our places, (both as to our general and particular callings) if Souldiers leave their Ranks they endanger themselves.

Having exhorted to put on the whole armour of God, he descends to the particular parts of it both defensive and offensive. We need not be over curious in enquiring into the reason of the Names here given to the several parts of a Christian's armour, and the Analogy between them and Corporal Arms, the Apostle using these Terms promiscuously, 1 Thess. 5.8. and designing onely to shew that what bodily Arms are to Souldiers, that these spiritual Arms might be to Christians▪ yet some reason may be given of these Denominations. He begins with the furniture for the loyns, the seat of strength, and alludes to the belt or mili [illegible: 4 letters] [illegible: 3 letters]dle, which was both for ornament and strength, and so is truth.

Understood either of the truth of Doctrine, or rather (because that comes in afterward under the title of the Sword of the Spirit) of soundness, and Sincerity of heart, than which nothing doth more beautifie or adorn a Christian. He alludes to Isa. 59.17. see, 2 Cor. 1.12. and 1 Tim. 1.5, 19.

Righteousness of Conversation, consisting both in a resolvedness for good, and repentance for evil done, which is as a Breast-plate (that piece or armour which covers the whole Breast, and Belly) to a Christian; that resolvedness against sin fencing him against Temptation, and the conscience of well doing against the accusations of Men and Devils. 1 Cor. 4.3, 4. and 1 Ioh. 3.7.

Marginal references: Isa. 11.5. Luk. 12.35. 1 Pet. 1.13.; 2 Cor. 6.7.