Preparation for Battle

“...and having shod your feet with the preparation for battle that the gospel of peace provides.” Verse 15.

We don’t get very far walking with bare feet on glass and sharp stones, let alone trying to fight a battle on terrain like that, so our feet must be shod. Likewise, the one who brings the gospel to others must be able to suffer hardship for the sake of the gospel. He mustn’t become touchy and sensitive at the opposition he encounters, like bare feet would be on glass and sharp stones. He must have his spiritual feet shod. The gospel of peace is inherently capable of preparing for battle the one who preaches. But just as we must all make use of those things which are at hand, so too in this case.

For the sake of the gospel of peace, many have sacrificed temporal goods—yes, even their own lives—in order to have part in a better resurrection.