The Armor of God Part 4: The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

 By: Rebekah Hargraves 

Photo Courtesy of: Kajal Nemani

"Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace." 

~Ephesians 6:14

Today in our series on the armor of God, we come to the piece of the armor commonly referred to  the "shoes of the gospel of peace". 

Of this piece of the armor Matthew Henry writes, 

"Shoes, or greaves of brass, or the like, were formerly part of the military armour (1 Sam 17 6): the use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were wont to be laid privily in the way, to obstruct the marching of the enemy, those who fell upon them being unfit to march. The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. 

It is styled the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. It may also be meant of that which prepares for the entertainment of the gospel, namely, repentance. With this our feet must be shod: for by living a life of repentance we are armed against temptations to sin, and the designs of our great enemy. Dr. Whitby thinks this may be the sense of the words: 'That you may be ready for the combat, be shod with the gospel of peace, endeavour after that peaceable and quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Be not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but show all gentleness and all long-suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, as did those shoes of brass the soldiers from those galltraps.'"

I found his explanation most helpful, as this passage can be one that is perhaps otherwise a bit challenging to understand. Being armed with the gospel of peace brings to mind a passage from the book of James, also which I believe we will find helpful here to further aid in our understanding:

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense." ~James 3:17

Likewise, Paul writes,

"If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." ~Romans 12:18

If we want to fight back against the spiritual warfare of the enemy by building the kingdom of God, we will have to arm ourselves not only with "a" gospel but with "the" gospel, which is a gospel of peace. We do the kingdom of God and our Great Commission work a grave disservice when our gospel presentations, our truth-sharing missions, are not peaceful and gentle.  

May we be known for our peacefulness going forward.

Reflection Questions:

1) Did you know prior to this study what was meant by the gospel of peace?

2) How does this passage challenge you?

3) How is the Lord leading you to change how you live in light of this passage?