The Gospel Shoes

Introduction

If I asked you this morning how many pairs of shoes you own, what would you say? Some of you might count them on one hand. Others of you might have a closet full of shoes for every possible occasion.

Recent surveys suggest the number of shoes owned per person is close to 12 pairs, up from the previously reported six. Women in the U.S. own significantly more shoes than men, averaging 19 pairs, while men average 12 (Footwear Magazine, 6/28/25). The age group that owns the most is 25–34. And some take it to an extreme. DJ Khaled reportedly owns over 10,000 pairs. The most expensive shoes ever sold were the “Moon Star Shoes” by Antonio Vietri, valued at 19.9 million dollars. They were made of solid gold, encrusted with 30 carats of diamonds, and even contained a meteorite dating back to 1576. The heel is designed to look like the Burj Khalifa (the skyscraper in Dubai).

We shake our heads at the extravagance, but one thing is clear: shoes matter. When I’m in the gym lifting weights, I’m not wearing my dress shoes. When I’m hunting, I don’t wear my Crocs to climb over fallen logs and cross rocky terrain and hopefully drag a deer back to the truck. When attending a formal event, I’m not wearing my Chacos. Shoes matter in fashion, they matter in athletics, and they especially matter in battle. No runner wants to sprint in cowboy boots. No hiker wants to tackle rocky mountains in flip-flops. And no soldier in Paul’s day would step onto the battlefield barefoot.

That’s why Paul, when describing the armor of God, said that Christians must have their “feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15, CSB). Just as shoes give us the ability to stand firm, walk steadily, and march forward, so the gospel equips us spiritually to stand against the enemy, walk faithfully with God, and go forward on mission.

So this morning, let’s explore what Paul means by gospel shoes. After defining the Gospel of Peace, we’ll look at three truths:

The Gospel of Peace Gives Us Stability.

The Gospel of Peace Prepares Us for the Journey.

The Gospel of Peace Sends Us on Mission.

Defining the Gospel of Peace

Direct references:

Ephesians 6:15 – “…and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.”

Acts 10:34-43 – Peter preaching which results in the conversion of Cornelius (Roman centurion of the Italian Regiment)

Peter began to speak: “Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, 35 but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 You know the events that took place throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how he went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the devil, because God was with him. 39 We ourselves are witnesses of everything he did in both the Judean country and in Jerusalem, and yet they killed him by hanging him on a tree. 40 God raised up this man on the third day and caused him to be seen, 41 not by all the people, but by us whom God appointed as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.”

Peter says here that this gospel of peace is not only for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles.

Ephesians 2:13-18 - Paul speaking to Gentile believers about the unity we have in Christ (both with God and other believers who are ethnically unlike us)

But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, 15 he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. 16 He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death. 17 He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Ephesians 2:13-18 refers directly to the “good news of peace” but also uses another word that’s related: reconcile. A lot of us have probably heard this term but what does it mean? In ancient times, when a family was divided over a significant feud, a mediator was often called in. This mediator would work tirelessly to create understanding between the conflicting parties. In much the same way, Jesus serves as our mediator, bridging the gap caused by sin. Through His sacrifice, we are offered reconciliation with God. Just as those ancient families could find peace through mediation, we can find peace with our Creator.

Related passages where the gospel explicitly results in peace:

Romans 5:1, 10-11 – the gospel of Jesus Christ brings peace and reconciliation

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation.

Romans 8:6-9 – Those who have not accepted the good news (gospel) are hostile to God but those in the Spirit (saved) have peace with God.

Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 – The gospel gives us peace with God and has given us the ministry of reconciliation (pleading with others to accept the gospel and be at peace with God).

Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

Colossians 1:19-23 - Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross brings peace to hostile sinners through faith in Him.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions. 22 But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him— 23 if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a servant of it.

The Gospel of Peace Definition:

The gospel of peace is the good news that through Jesus Christ’s perfect life, substitutionary death, and victorious resurrection, rebellious sinners are reconciled to the holy God and given peace with Him and other reconciled believers.

I. The Gospel of Peace Gives Us Stability

If there’s one theme Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 6:10-18, it’s the importance of standing firm. He says in verse 11, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” Verse 13: “So that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.” Verse 14: “Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist…”

John Stott comments: “This fourfold emphasis on the need to ‘stand’ or ‘withstand’ shows that the apostle’s concern is for Christian stability. Wobbly Christians who have no firm foothold in Christ are an easy prey for the devil” (Stott, God’s New Society, 275).

Have you ever tried to run on ice? It doesn’t matter how strong your legs are, if your footing isn’t secure, you will fall. In the same way, the Christian life isn’t first about flashy speed or athletic agility—it’s about being firmly planted in Christ.

A. Roman Soldiers Needed Firm Footing

Paul likely had in mind the Roman soldier’s caliga—the heavy leather half-boot. Markus Barth describes it as being “made of leather, left the toes free, had heavy studded soles, and was tied to the ankles and shins with more or less ornamental straps… [which] equipped him for long marches and for a solid stance… While they did not impede his mobility, they prevented his foot from sliding” (quoted in Stott, 279).

Roman soldiers could not afford to slip in battle. If their feet gave way, they could be knocked down, trampled, or killed. Their boots gave them traction and stability.

John MacArthur explains: “Roman soldiers wore boots with nails (cleats) in them to help brace their feet in all terrains. For the Christian, the gospel of peace with God gives sure footing and a sound foundation” (Ephesians, 87).

Tony Evans adds: “Regardless of external turmoil, let the peace from God that results from righteous living confirm that you are operating and moving in God’s will” (Bible Commentary, 1233).

B. Christians Stand on the Gospel of Peace

What gives us stability as Christians is not our personality, not our talents, not our church background—it’s the gospel. Paul calls it “the gospel of peace.” The word gospel simply means “good news.” The good news is that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have peace with God. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

That peace with God becomes the firm ground beneath our feet.

Max Anders explains: “Feet fitted with the readiness pictures the hobnailed shoes which kept the soldiers footing sure in battle. To put on these shoes could be understood as believing the promises of God in the gospel and counting on them to be true for you. Faith in these promises yields peace in the Christian’s life” (Anders, 191).

Illustration: Have you ever seen a football lineman plant his feet before the snap? His stance gives him stability to hold his ground against the opposing team. In the same way, when the devil pushes against you with temptation, doubt, or fear, the gospel allows you to hold your ground.

Application: Are you standing firm, or are you spiritually wobbly? If you’re standing on your feelings, you’ll stumble. If you’re standing on your own willpower, you’ll collapse. If you’re standing on the prevailing philosophies of culture, you’ll be carried away in a landslide. But if you’re standing on the gospel—on the unshakable peace with God purchased by Christ—you can withstand the devil’s attacks.

II. The Gospel of Peace Prepares Us for the Journey

Paul uses a fascinating word in verse 15: hetoimasia. It can mean readiness, preparation, or firmness. Marvin Vincent notes that in Hellenistic Greek, it sometimes meant “firm foundation” (Vincent, Word Studies, 409). In other words, gospel shoes not only give us stability, they prepare us to keep moving forward.

A. Readiness for Life’s Path

John Stott writes: “If we have received the good news, and are enjoying the peace with God and with one another which it brings, we have the firmest possible foothold from which to fight evil” (Stott, 280).

But it’s not just about standing still—it’s about being ready to move. Roman soldiers marched long distances in their boots. Without the right footwear, they would blister, bleed, or collapse. But with strong shoes, they could travel miles across rough terrain.

So too, the gospel equips us for the journey of life.

C. H. Spurgeon said: “It means, first, that a sense of perfect peace with God is the grandest thing in all the world with which to travel through life. Let a man know that his sins are forgiven… and what a joyful pilgrim he becomes!” (Spurgeon, 219).

He continues: “These shoes are such as will last all our journey through… The everlasting gospel yields us everlasting peace. It made him a good traveller when he first set out, and it will protect his last footsteps when he crosses the river Jordan, and climbs the celestial hills” (Spurgeon, 223).

B. Endurance in Trials

Think of what Spurgeon is saying: gospel shoes don’t wear out. The peace of God is as steady when you are young as when you are old. It sustains you when you first come to Christ, and it carries you when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

He adds: “The shoe of our text is equally famous for its suitability for marching in the ways of daily duty… A soul at perfect peace with God is in a fit state for the severest movements. A sense of pardoned sin, and reconciliation with God, fits us for anything and everything” (Spurgeon, 224).

Illustration: Imagine hiking a rocky mountain trail in flip-flops. Every step hurts. Every stone cuts your feet. You can barely go forward. But with sturdy hiking boots, you can walk confidently mile after mile. When Ashley and I were in Greece this summer, Ashley decided it would be a great idea to hike a volcano in Santorini. Personally, I thought it was an attempt to cash in on my life insurance policy, but I agreed with her that it would be fun to hike a volcano. That morning, we dressed for a hike (light, breathable shirts; shorts; and hiking shoes for me and tennis shoes for Ashley). After riding the small boat over to the volcano, we began our hike. There was another young lady that was on the boat and attempting the volcano hike. But Ashley and I both quickly noticed that this young lady decided to wear stiletto heels for this hike. Even though the trail wasn’t that rugged (it was a gravel path), she struggled with the hike and when she finally got to the summit (Ashley and I were up top, chilling and taking pictures), her heels were blistered and bleeding. The ability to make it to the summit in general comfort and confidence in our steps made a huge difference in our experience of the splendid view. That’s the difference the gospel makes. Without it, life is unbearable. With it, you can endure suffering and hardship with joy, because your footing is secure.

Application: Some of you here are weary in your journey. You feel like you’re stumbling along the trail of life. Friend, have you laced up the gospel shoes? Have you reminded yourself of the peace you have with God through Christ? When you know your sins are forgiven, that heaven is your home, and that nothing can separate you from God’s love, you can keep walking—even through the hardest terrain.

III. The Gospel of Peace Sends Us on Mission

Finally, gospel shoes are not only for standing and walking—they are for going. Paul calls them the “gospel of peace,” echoing Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

A. Ready to Share the Good News

John Stott notes that “the Christian soldier’s shoes are his ‘readiness to announce the Good News of peace’… Missionary work is like a pair of sandals that have been given to the Church in order that it shall set out on the road and keep on going to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Stott, 280).

Jon Courson makes it personal: “Having my feet shod with the gospel of peace means I don’t walk on people, but I get to share with people… it is my privilege to say to those in my path, ‘Good news! The Lord loves you. He knows what you’re going through. He can set you free’” (Courson, 1265).

Wiersbe adds: “We must be prepared each day to share the Gospel of peace with a lost world. The most victorious Christian is a witnessing Christian” (Wiersbe, 58).

B. Our Mission Is Peace, Not Violence

Tony Merida explains: “Jesus was the ultimate One with beautiful feet, who came with His gospel shoes, announcing peace to Jews and Gentiles. Those who know Christ have His peace and have this same mission. In the midst of this passage on warfare is a message of peace. This is the difference with our mission and other religious missions. We are not taking life; we are offering life” (Merida, 181).

William Klein agrees: “On the one hand, a solid assurance of salvation enables believers to remain firm… On the other hand, the church does not merely circle the wagons and remain in a defensive posture… it is on the offense. Paradoxically, the church battles by announcing peace to all it encounters” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 166).

Illustration: Roman soldiers didn’t just guard forts—they marched across the empire, spreading Roman authority and securing the Pax Romana (“Roman Peace”) at the time Paul was writing to the Ephesians. Likewise, the church isn’t called to hide in bunkers, hoping to survive. We are called to advance the gospel of peace with God into every neighborhood, every school, every workplace, every corner of the world.

Application: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel of peace? Your coworker struggling with anxiety? Your neighbor facing illness? Your classmate struggling with a hard family situation? Your friend weighed down by guilt? If your feet are sandaled with the gospel, every step you take is an opportunity to bring peace to someone’s life by pointing them to Jesus.

Conclusion: Ready Feet for a Needy World

Shoes matter. Without them, you stumble and fall. With them, you can walk, march, and run. Spiritually, the gospel of peace is our footwear. It gives us stability, prepares us for the journey, and sends us on mission.

Spurgeon once warned: “Are there not some of you who have to travel to eternity, and yet have no shoes for the journey? How can the unconverted man hope to reach heaven when he has no shoe to his foot? … Go, I pray you, and find peace in him” (Spurgeon, 226).

Friend, have you put on the shoes of the gospel of peace? If not, today is the day to receive Christ, be reconciled to God, and be ready for both the battle and the journey.

And for those who belong to Him—strap on your gospel shoes and step out with confidence. Stand firm in the peace of Christ. Walk faithfully in the power of Christ. And go share the good news of Christ.

Because in a world filled with turmoil, division, and fear, what this world needs most is men and women with ready feet—feet sandaled with the readiness of the gospel of peace.

In the workplace, you may encounter stress or tension with colleagues. To embody readiness for the gospel of peace, create an atmosphere of grace and understanding. This week, take the initiative to actively listen to a coworker who seems overwhelmed. Engage them in conversation about their challenges and offer to pray for them. By openly sharing your faith and demonstrating kindness, you can bring a gospel presence that fosters reconciliation and harmony among your team.

In church, you might notice divisions or differing opinions about various social issues. Try to listen to others with differing views with respect and seek to understand their viewpoint. Pray for wisdom, understanding, and loving others who may not agree with you. Practice humility and allow the gospel of peace to take root in our church family.

In your public life, you may face situations where tensions run high, such as during community events or social media discussions. This week, practice engaging with others kindly, especially those with opposing views. Instead of reacting defensively, respond with questions that promote understanding and common ground. You could also post a reflective thought on social media about how faith shapes your perspective, inviting others to discuss the gospel of peace. Live out the readiness of the gospel by being a peacemaker in public spaces.

While participating in community service, you might work with diverse groups who have varying agendas. To embody readiness for the gospel of peace, dedicate time to truly get to know the individuals you're serving alongside. Before starting a project, suggest a brief time of prayer, inviting everyone to share any personal experiences that motivate their service. This creates an opening for sharing the gospel and demonstrates Christ’s peace in action, fostering unity and collaboration in the mission you share.