and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Ephesians 6:15
What does Ephesians 6:15 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Ephesians 6:15
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "readiness given by the gospel of peace" isn't just about being prepared to share the gospel; it's about the gospel itself providing a firm foundation. Just as Roman soldiers' hobnailed sandals gave them a steady footing on any terrain, the message of peace from God equips believers with unwavering stability in their faith, allowing them to stand firm against opposition.
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is continuing his extended metaphor of the Christian life as spiritual warfare, instructing believers to "stand firm" against the devil's schemes. Having already detailed the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, he now turns to protecting the feet, which are essential for both advancing and holding one's ground in battle. This imagery emphasizes the need for a stable, prepared stance as Christians navigate the challenges and temptations they will inevitably face.
Imagine marching through treacherous terrain. Your feet need protection and a solid grip. What in the gospel gives you that kind of unshakeable footing?
Paul uses the image of a Roman soldier's heavy, hobnailed sandals (caligae) to describe a vital piece of spiritual armor: the 'preparation of the gospel of peace.' While the word for 'preparation' (hetoimasia) can mean 'readiness,' in this context, it takes on a deeper meaning, closer to a 'firm footing' or 'foundation.'
This isn't about being ready to preach, but about having a stable base grounded in the gospel's message. The gospel of peace declares our reconciliation with God through Christ. This profound truth provides a solid foundation upon which we can stand firm, unmoved by the spiritual battles we face.
We often think of 'peace' as passive. But Paul equips us with the 'gospel of peace' like a soldier's boots. How does this active peace help us fight?
The 'gospel of peace' isn't just about internal tranquility; it's a dynamic force for spiritual warfare. The Roman soldier's sandals, studded with nails, provided grip on slippery or uneven ground, allowing for steady advance. Similarly, the good news of God's peace with us empowers us to move forward with confidence in spiritual battles.
This 'peace' transforms us into steady, determined soldiers. It enables us to stand firm and advance against the enemy, not through aggression, but through the unshakeable assurance that comes from knowing we are at peace with God. This peace fuels our ability to confront challenges and stand firm in our faith.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
euangelion · Greek Noun
The Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is the message that reconciles sinners to God, establishing a new reality of peace with Him.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
The state of harmony, reconciliation, and shalom provided by God. It refers to both the status of being at peace with God and the internal tranquility resulting from that state.
This passage describes the beautiful feet of messengers proclaiming peace and good news, directly paralleling the imagery of 'feet shod with the gospel of peace' and highlighting the message-bringing aspect of the gospel.
Romans 10:15Quoting Isaiah 52:7, this verse reinforces the connection between the gospel, peace, and the feet of those who proclaim it, emphasizing the active, spreading nature of the good news.
1 Samuel 17:6This verse mentions armor, including greaves ('armour for his legs'), which directly relates to the protective footwear described in Ephesians 6, providing a tangible ancient military parallel.
Matthew 24:6Jesus speaks of 'wars and rumors of wars,' contrasting the turmoil of the world with the 'gospel of peace,' underscoring the unique and stabilizing nature of the peace Christ offers in a chaotic world.
Philippians 4:7This verse speaks of the 'peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,' echoing the 'gospel of peace' and showing how this divine peace acts as a protective covering for our hearts and minds, much like armor for our feet.
barnesEphesians 6:15: "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"
And your feet shod - There is undoubtedly an allusion here to what was worn by the ancient soldier to guard his feet. The Greek is, literally, "having underbound the feet;" that is, having bound on the shoes, or sandais, 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 of…
gillEphesians 6:15: "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"
And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. The Gospel is so called, because it makes men to be of peaceable tempers and behaviour, and gives peace to distressed minds: it directs the way to eternal peace, and publishes peace made by the blood of Christ; and has a much better claim to this name, and epithet, than the law has, which is often called "peace" by the Jews (l): the "preparation" of i…
The phrase "readiness given by the gospel of peace" isn't just about being prepared to share the gospel; it's about the gospel itself providing a firm foundation. Just as Roman soldiers' hobnailed sandals gave them a steady footing on any terrain, the message of peace from God equips believers with unwavering stability in their faith, allowing them to stand firm against opposition.
Paul is continuing his extended metaphor of the Christian life as spiritual warfare, instructing believers to "stand firm" against the devil's schemes. Having already detailed the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, he now turns to protecting the feet, which are essential for both advancing and holding one's ground in battle. This imagery emphasizes the need for a stable, prepared stance as Christians navigate the challenges and temptations they will inevitably face.
Paul is continuing his extended metaphor of the Christian life as spiritual warfare, instructing believers to "stand firm" against the devil's schemes. Having already detailed the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, he now turns to protecting the feet, which are essential for both advancing and holding one's ground in battle. This imagery emphasizes the need for a stable, prepared stance as Christians navigate the challenges and temptations they will inevitably face.
"and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." — The phrase "readiness given by the gospel of peace" isn't just about being prepared to share the gospel; it's about the gospel itself providing a firm foundation. Just as Roman soldiers' hobnailed…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026