Christian Warfare 8

The next piece of Christian armor is having "your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." Hugo McCord translates this verse "and on your feet the sandals of the peaceful gospel." Albert Barnes offers the following comments on this verse:

The Greek is, literally, "having underbound the feet;" that is, having bound on shoes, or sandals, or whatever was worn by the ancient soldier. The protection of the feet and ankles consisted of two parts. (1.) The sandals, or shoes, which were probably made so as to cover the foot, and which often were fitted with nails, or armed with spikes, to make the hold firm in the ground; or; (2) with greves that were fitted to the legs, and designed to defend them from danger.

So how does this apply to the Christian soldier? The feet must be prepared for marching to battle and, once the enemy is engaged, remain firmly planted so as to not be moved. How this is accomplished is by preparation. One’s faith must be well- grounded in the gospel message. This requires preparation, or work. Regular, daily Bible study is the way one prepares the feet for spiritual battle. A secure foothold for the Roman soldier engaged in battle was necessary so he would not slip, lose his balance, and lose his life. Without persistent preparation in the gospel, one may become unsteady in the heat of battle and slip spiritually. The Christian soldier must know the gospel and use that knowledge, not in an arrogant way, but in a confident way as the enemy is engaged.

Notice also that the gospel is one of peace. How can this be in the context of a soldier at war? The gospel brings peace between God and the individual. The alien sinner is an enemy of God. Paul wrote in Romans 5:8-10, "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." Paul here states sinners are enemies of God. Yet He loved us enough to send Jesus (John 3:16) while we were yet His enemies. The gospel also brings peace between people. Those who are Christians seek to live at peace with all men as Paul wrote in Romans 12:18, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." The "middle wall of partition" (Ephesians 2:14) between Jew and Gentile is gone, broken down by Jesus, thus making peace between all people possible.

Lastly the gospel brings peace to the individual. The burden of sin is lifted, and one can confidently live in fellowship with God.

—Denny