What Old Testament passages connect with the theme of peace in Ephesians 6:15? The Gospel Boots and the Old Testament Roots Ephesians 6:15 pictures believers “with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.” Paul is drawing on rich Old Testament soil where “peace” (shalom) means wholeness, safety, harmony, and right relationship with God and neighbor. Isaiah 52:7 – Good News on the Mountains • “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who proclaim peace, who bring good news, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” • Key links – Feet + proclamation + peace = direct backdrop to Paul’s “readiness.” – Romans 10:15 quotes this verse to explain gospel preaching; Ephesians 6:15 echoes the same imagery. Isaiah 9:6–7 – The Prince of Peace Arrives • “For unto us a child is born… He will be called… Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” • Messiah Himself is the source of the shod-with-peace readiness; His eternal reign guarantees lasting shalom. Isaiah 26:3–4 – Perfect Peace for Trusting Hearts • “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for Yah, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” • Inner stability flows from relying on God—vital for a soldier standing firm in spiritual battle. Isaiah 32:15–18 – Righteousness Sprouts Peace • “…the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. Then my people will dwell in a peaceful habitation…” • Peace is not passive; it blooms where God’s righteous Spirit is poured out—echoing the armor’s call to live out the gospel. Psalm 29:11 – Strength and Peace Together • “The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace.” • Strength plus peace parallels the armor motif: divine empowerment wrapped in shalom. Psalm 85:8–13 – Mercy and Truth Meet, Peace Follows • “I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people… Love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss.” • God’s covenant love births peace—fulfilled in the gospel Paul announces. Numbers 6:24–26 – The Priestly Blessing of Peace • “The LORD bless you and keep you… give you peace.” • Every Israelite heard this benediction; believers now carry that blessing into the world on gospel-ready feet. Leviticus & Numbers – Peace Offerings and a Covenant of Peace • Leviticus 3; 7:11–38: the “peace offering” celebrates fellowship with God. • Numbers 25:12: Phinehas receives “My covenant of peace.” • These sacrifices and covenants foreshadow Christ’s once-for-all offering that secures our peace (Colossians 1:20). Ezekiel 34:25; 37:26 – Future Covenant of Peace • “I will make a covenant of peace with them…” • Paul sees this promise fulfilled in the new covenant, enabling believers to stand firm as one new man in Christ (Ephesians 2:14–17). How the Threads Tie Together • The Old Testament repeatedly links peace with God’s saving work, righteous rule, and covenant blessing. • Isaiah 52:7 supplies the exact imagery of beautiful, peace-bearing feet. • The promised Prince (Isaiah 9) achieves perfect peace (Isaiah 26), establishes righteous peace (Isaiah 32), and guarantees everlasting peace (Ezekiel 37). • The priestly blessing (Numbers 6) and peace offerings (Leviticus 3) foreshadow Christ, whose gospel equips us to stride into battle assured, stable, and ready to announce shalom to a hostile world. |
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