Armour of God: The Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace
After looking at the belt of truth, the next piece in our study of the Whole Armour of God is the footwear. Paul describes this as having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. It may not seem as important as the breastplate or the helmet, but for a Roman soldier, proper footwear was essential. A soldier who could not stand firmly or move with confidence was already defeated.
Roman soldiers wore heavy, durable footwear called caligae. These were thick-soled sandals reinforced with metal hobnails on the bottom. The hobnails acted like cleats, giving the soldier traction on uneven ground, muddy fields, rocky terrain, and steep hills. They allowed the soldier to march long distances, hold his ground in combat, and stay steady even when the ground shifted beneath him. Without secure footing, the rest of the armor did not matter.
Paul uses this image to teach a spiritual truth in Ephesians 6:15:
“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”
Why Peace is Pictured as Footwear
Footwear represents readiness, stability, and firm footing. Spiritually, the gospel of peace gives the believer a foundation that does not slide, even when life becomes chaotic or difficult.
The word “preparation” carries the idea of readiness or firm footing. The believer is prepared to stand, walk, and move forward because of the peace they have with God.
Scripture teaches several truths about this peace:
Peace begins with being reconciled to God. Romans 5:1 says:
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Before salvation, a person is spiritually at odds with God. After salvation, they stand in a relationship of peace.
Peace is something God gives, not something we manufacture. John 14:27 says:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.”
This is not the world’s temporary peace. It is steady and lasting.
Peace guards the heart and mind. Philippians 4:7 says:
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
God’s peace steadies us when circumstances are unstable.
Peace guides the believer’s steps. Psalm 119:165 says:
“Great peace have they which love thy law.”
Peace from God brings clarity and direction.
Paul chose the image of footwear because peace is what keeps a believer from slipping spiritually. It keeps them standing when trials come and helps them move forward when life feels heavy.
The Danger of Walking Without Peace
A soldier without footwear would be slow, vulnerable, and easily pushed off balance. Spiritually, a believer who does not walk in the peace God gives faces similar dangers:
• Worry begins to control decisions
• Circumstances become the focus instead of Christ
• Conflict shapes the heart instead of Scripture
• Fear prevents forward movement
• Doubt steals confidence
Peace keeps the believer from sliding into fear or anxiety. It steadies the heart the same way Roman footwear steadied the soldier’s stance.
A Practical Way to Picture This Today
We understand the importance of good footwear:
• A hiker needs reliable boots to handle rough terrain
• A construction worker needs heavy-duty shoes for safety
• An athlete needs traction to change direction quickly
• A runner needs the right shoes for long distances
The right footwear makes the person steady, confident, and able to keep moving. Spiritually, the gospel of peace gives that same stability. It is the foundation that keeps a believer standing firm.
What This Means for the Believer
Putting on the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace means:
• Standing firmly in the peace God gives
• Letting God’s peace guide your reactions and decisions
• Staying steady when circumstances try to push you off balance
• Walking forward in confidence because you belong to God
• Being ready to share the good news of peace with others
This peace does not ignore trouble. It simply recognizes that God is greater than the trouble we face.
For Those Who Aren’t Christians
The peace described here begins with knowing Jesus Christ personally. The Bible teaches that real peace comes only through being made right with God. Without that relationship, a person is left trying to create their own peace through effort, distraction, or temporary fixes.
The gospel offers something better. It offers peace that reaches the heart, steadies the mind, and gives a person a foundation they can stand on. If you continue reading through this series, consider how this peace could change your steps, your decisions, and the direction of your life.
