Gr. rhēma, indicating something uttered or spoken (see on ch. 5:26). The phrase, “word of God,” must not be limited to the words of Scripture that then existed.
When this epistle was written, the NT Scriptures were being produced. It is with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, that the Christian cuts his way through all circumstances.
Sword of the Spirit.
The other parts of the armor are defensive only, whereas this is both defensive and offensive.
Salvation.
In 1 Thess. 5:8 the helmet is called the hope of salvation. Salvation is past, present, and future (see on Rom. 8:24).
Helmet.
The head needs special protection as being a most vital part, the seat of the will and the intelligence.