Lesson 12: Shoes of the Readiness for the Gospel of Peace, part 1

Ephesians 6:15 - …and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

A Roman soldier's feet were fitted with a heavy soled military boot that was worn by all ranks throughout the Roman Empire. No other shoes in history were as symbolic of the expansion of the Roman Empire as this famed footwear. These open-designed military boots were created to allow for the free passage of air to the feet for comfort. If you were a soldier and walked with full gear up to 25 miles a day, you would appreciate the sturdiness and coolness of such footwear. Unlike modern military boots, these boots were specifically designed to reduce the likelihood of blisters forming during these forced marches, as well as other disabling foot conditions like trench foot. Socks were not normally worn although in colder climates such as Britain, woolen socks were used.

Another major difference between the Roman boot and our modern sandal is that this boot was fitted with iron hobnails that were hammered into the sole for added strength, similar to today's cleat. They provided reinforcement and traction as well as an effective weapon against a fallen enemy. If your enemy fell on the ground you could stomp them with it! So even your shoes became a weapon.


The shoes were important because, if a soldier's feet become swollen, tender, cut, or blistered, that soldier would be greatly hindered in the day of battle. That soldier might not be able to stand and fight. He might not be able to march. He might not be able to properly handle his weapons. He certainly could not advance on the enemy.

But we often do not get around to putting on our spiritual shoes that keep us from stumbling, let alone finding out what they are for victory in our daily battle with Satan and demons. The world has gotten us so focused on trying to be cool or fashionable with our natural shoes instead of focused on the most important shoes of all – our spiritual shoes. We wonder why we are stumbling, bumbling, and falling all over the place as Christians! We are not taking it seriously! This is all part of our battle gear! We need to get these on our feet now! That is what the phrase implies, "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." Other translations say, "With your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." In other words, you are not pondering this over a cup of coffee - considering whether or not you will put this footwear on. You are not seeing if this will work on your schedule. There is no delay here! You are prepared! You are ready! Why? Just as this footwear gave the Roman soldier great traction and protection and kept him from stumbling on the battlefield, so our shoes of peace do the same thing for us spiritually. Get them on and keep them on.

*What kind of shoes are you wearing today – God’s or your own?