In regard to our shield of faith, Paul writes that is it necessary for quenching the arrows of the Evil One. Studying the historical setting of the letter and the audience to whom it was written reveals that Paul was not referencing an ornamental or superficial shield. Ephesus, a prominent part of the Roman Empire, included Roman citizens, which means Roman imagery is most appropriate. The Roman shield of the time would have been a little wider than an average man at the shoulders and long enough to cover the body from shoulder to knee. While fighting in a line of men, it would completely protect the formation of soldiers from the attacks of archers. In this way, it preserves the purpose of the rest of the armor for direct combat.
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