Note 13 at Eph. 6:15: Paul draws this metaphor from the Roman military soldier. Roman, as well as Greek warriors, would wear sandals with very thick soles which were fastened to the feet by leather thongs. The Roman soldier's shoes had thickly studded nails or cleats. One historian said the reason that Julius Caesar was such a success as a general was because his men wore military shoes that made it possible to cover long distances in short periods of time.

These military shoes, which are similar to football cleats, not only allowed soldiers rapid movement, but also gave them stability in hand-to-hand combat. In the spiritual realm, the shoes of the gospel of peace make a messenger prepared to share the glad tidings of peace. The Living Bible describes this as: "shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the good news of peace." The NIV translates this as: "and your feet fitted with the gospel of peace as a firm footing."

In Isaiah 52:7 describes these shoes similarly-"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, and publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good that publisheth salvation."

The gospel of peace being spoken of here is not peace between men; that is a by-product. Rather, this is speaking of peace between God and man. Understanding that God is no longer mad at us keeps us going (see note 2 at Rom. 5:1, p. 768).