Romans 10.14-15:
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (ESV)
The Apostle Paul, writing in the tenth chapter of Romans is now making the case that the gospel is for all people and the way of salvation by faith in Jesus is the same for a Jew and everyone else who is not a Jew. And as the verses above indicate, there is a responsibility for people who believe in Jesus to communicate the gospel to others.
The beautiful feet of Isaiah 52.7 are the feet of one messenger. The beautiful feet of Romans 10.15 are the feet of many messengers. As many who will communicate the gospel. When Paul quotes Isaiah 52.7 in verse 15 above, he cites this verse in a way that makes the messengers plural. Paul uses a more official type term for “preaching” in verse 14 and also the beginning of verse 15, so he is literally referring to “preaching the gospel”. But additionally the Isaiah 52.7 verse expresses a more general way to “bring or announce good news”. So the communicating of the gospel can take place in many ways in addition to traditional preaching.
Every Christian has the opportunity to communicate the gospel in ways that naturally suit the individual’s skills, talents, and inclinations. Many preach in official capacities as pastors, as evangelists, as missionaries. Others are teachers, writers, musicians, and there are as many expressions as there are Christians. And opportunities are uniquely suited to each and every person.
So we all ask: “why are the feet described as ‘beautiful'”? The bible word underlying “beautiful” in Isaiah 52.7 has the meaning of “desirable, attractive, befitting” as well as “beautiful”. Perhaps these feet are beautiful, attractive, and desirable because they are diligently in motion to bring good news to the intended recipients. And it is a beautiful message they bring.