15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
The third piece of armour that God has given to Christians for their spiritual battle is very crucial: the shoes of the Gospel of peace.
A Roman soldier would not go to battle wearing ordinary shoes with slick or worn-out soles. If he did, he would not get a firm foothold while marching through various kinds of ground. Roman soldiers were equipped with shoes that would last for long journeys, for they would often march over vast expanses of rugged terrain. Many battles had been lost just because soldiers were not fitted with shoes that were thick and durable enough. A firm footing was necessary for the soldier to charge forward in the battle. It would help him to hold his ground and make quick moves without slipping, sliding or falling.
Herein Paul employs an unusual expression that speaks of having our feet fitted with the “preparation of the gospel of peace”. The word “preparation” signifies “a prepared base” or “a foundation”, which has already been laid. In other words, the firm foundation of the Gospel of peace enables the Christian soldier to stand firm, and not slip and fall.
The Gospel of peace is the Gospel of Christ that brings peace to us. The Gospel of Christ reconciles us to God and thus helps us to be at peace with God. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). What great steadfastness of soul characterises one who can say, “Christ is mine! The enmity is gone! I am forgiven.” A Christian needs to have a strong assurance so that he will not fear though Satan may be hard on his heels in hot pursuit. He who is shod with the Gospel of peace will be able to tread firmly on his feet.
The Christian with feet well shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace will not only be able to stand his ground in the day of evil, but also he can go forth to battle under Christ’s banner with a readiness to publish the Gospel of good tidings. How wonderful it would be indeed if every soldier of Christ is not only engaged in battle, but also occupied with advancing and disseminating the Gospel of peace to the far corners of the world. As it is written: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7; cf. Roman 10:15).