The answer is: Six

Eph 6:14-17

In the well-known passage from Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul describes six components that make up the 'armour of God,' a metaphor richly packed with meaning about spiritual readiness. Just as soldiers donned their armor before battle, Paul encourages believers to equip themselves against spiritual challenges.

Let’s take a closer look at these six items: the belt of truth (which holds everything together), the breastplate of righteousness (guarding the heart), shoes of peace (for stability), the shield of faith (blocking doubts and fears), the helmet of salvation (protecting the mind), and the sword of the Spirit (the only offensive weapon made of the Word). This combination underscores an essential theme in Paul’s writings: a life led by truth, righteousness, inner peace, and confidence can empower believers to withstand doubt and spiritual conflict.

Interestingly, these elements draw parallels to Isaiah, notably in Isaiah 59, where strength, righteousness, and salvation are similarly depicted in the context of God's justice. Furthermore, this can evoke thoughts of the various ancient armours, many with their own ceremonial significance, suggesting a rich tradition of war imagery within scriptural wisdom indicating the real fight is often an internal one.

So, the next time you reflect on this passage, visualize yourself donning each piece, preparing not just for conflict, but for daily living, armed with hope, purpose, and a strong spirit. That's a journey worth taking!