The Breastplate of Righteousness

1. The Breastplate

The breastplate was a torso shaped armament that was designed to protect the vitals of the soldier who wore it.

Originally, nothing more than a thick garment, it eventually developed into a metal protection. Sometimes it was made of chain metal, other times it was made from metal disk, and eventually made from solid sheets of metal.

The purpose was not to protect the soldier from all dangers but rather to prevent fatal wounds. The breastplate protected the heart and other vital organs of the soldier.

2. Righteousness

A. The righteousness imputed to us. (POSITIONAL)

The Grace New Testament Commentary G. Believers Are to Stand Strong in God’s Power Using God’s Armor (6:10–20)

Most likely Paul is not asking the readers to remember that they are positionally righteous, but instead he is asking them to live righteously. Righteous living protects their inner selves.

Romans 3:21–22 NKJV

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;

This righteousness is brought at salvation.

A. The righteousness of believers. (EXPERIENTIAL)

Isaiah 59:17 NKJV

For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary on the Holy Bible, Volumes 1–3 Chapter 6

And having on the breastplate of righteousness; righteousness of conversation, consisting both in a resolvedness for good, and repentance for evil done, which is as a breastplate (that piece of 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 Thessalonians 5:8 NKJV

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

Isaiah 11:15 NKJV

The Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt; With His mighty wind He will shake His fist over the River, And strike it in the seven streams, And make men cross over dryshod.

Ephesians 5:9 NKJV

(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),

Romans 14:17 NKJV

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.