Ephesians 6:15 (ESV)
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace
This piece of armour may be most misunderstood as a survey on it leads to various interpretations. The most common view is that putting on the “Shoes of the Gospel of Peace” is a call to evangelism, linking it to Romans 10:15, where Paul says “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
While our spiritual warfare includes sharing the gospel with others, this piece of armour is not referring to it. And to understand the shoes fitted with the Gospel of Peace, we must first understand the definition of this “peace.” GotQuestions.org defines it as “tranquility, harmony or security.” Depending on the situation, it could mean “prosperity” or “well-being.” In the New Testament, the primary Greek word for “peace” is Eirene, and it refers to rest and tranquility. It is through Christ’s work of justification that we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1), and that peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Therefore, the word “peace” here is to be understood as the existence of peace itself, rather than the act of bringing peace.
As believers, we should be living in this peace of God even though the war is still raging. Our peace, protection, provision and well-being are already established in Christ Jesus which we must choose to stand daily. The shoes given by the Lord give us stability as we stand on the foundation of God’s peace in our lives. When we are grounded in the Lord as the One who fulfils His promises to us then our well-being will be secured, and we will have the resilience to stand firm. Be reminded that the Gospel of Peace is our only solid foundation that gives us the mobility and stability. We can only stand our ground if we have the peace with God (Romans 5:1) and the peace of God (Philippians 4:7). Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He promises us His peace in John 14:27.
Moreover, this piece of God’s armour is also symbolic – that God may call us to walk some difficult areas where the enemy will try to hinder us. But when we have the peace of God, we are able to continue the good fight no matter how difficult the road is. We can advance onto the battlefield unafraid, because we know God has everything under control, and that His plan cannot be thwarted by the devil. We have peace in knowing that we are secure in the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection and as soldiers of Christ, we will readily march wherever our Lord leads. We must be mobile, flexible, and ready with the truth. This is a place to have in the Christian life, to live in constant readiness and flexibility. The Gospel of Peace keeps our feet anchored and the ability to stand firm. Romans 16:20 says “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet.”
How to apply the Gospel of Peace?
Set our security and identity in Christ – Surround ourselves with Scripture and remind ourselves of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrifice and our belief in Him, we shall not perish but have eternal life. Build our foundation on a daily reminder of this hope and the truth of our place in Christ.
Advancing our walk in prayer – In every situation or decision-making, we can pray and ask God to confirm the situation in our lives by giving us peace or causing us so much discomfort or unrest that we know we shouldn’t move forward.
Walking together with other believers – Roman troops advanced in formation. Not only does this intimidate the enemy, but they would plow right through any threats. In the same way, the Church must walk together, reminding one another of the peace we have in Christ Jesus.
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