Ephesians 6:13–15 (ESV) – 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
How do we stand in this world as God’s people and under constant attack in a spiritual war? We need the armor of God. So far, we have put on and discussed the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. Now it is time to put on our shoes, the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Shoes were not worn by most people in the first century. Many went barefoot. Shoes were for the wealthy and for those who really needed them, like soldiers and couriers. They needed them because they needed to be ready to travel far and wide and to do so quickly.
As with the other pieces of armor, Paul pulls from Old Testament imagery. He is pointing us to Isaiah 52:7 where it reads:
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.‘”
Ephesians 6:15 and Isaiah 52:7 are the only two passages in the whole Bible where feet, good news, and peace all occur together. Paul is reminding us of our role as God’s couriers. We must have our shoes on so we are ready and able to travel far and wide and over all terrain to declare the good news of the gospel to the world. Peace with God is possible through Jesus Christ! Do you have your shoes on? Are you ready to go out into the world?
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