Tag: The Good News

August 18, 2025

Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Verse Context

Paul, writing to the Christians in Rome around AD 57, makes one of the most defining statements in his entire letter. By saying “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ”, he is declaring his boldness and confidence in proclaiming Jesus despite ridicule, persecution, or opposition. The “gospel” here is the good news of salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the central message of Christianity.

The phrase “the power of God unto salvation” shows that salvation is not achieved through human wisdom, good works, or religious ritual, but through the divine power of God working in the gospel message itself. The gospel is not merely information; it is God’s active power to rescue, change, and give eternal life to those who believe.

Paul then highlights that salvation is available “to every one that believeth”, stressing that belief, or faith, is the condition. No person is excluded based on background, nationality, or history. When he says “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”, he acknowledges God’s covenant order: the message of salvation came first through the Jews (as God’s chosen people and through whom Christ was born), but it extends equally to Gentiles (“Greeks” meaning all non-Jews). This sets the stage for one of Romans’ greatest themes: the universality of salvation in Christ.

In short, this verse shows Paul’s unshakable conviction that the gospel is powerful, sufficient, and for all people, Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. and that it alone is God’s way of salvation.

Broader Context

Romans is Paul’s most thorough letter on the doctrine of salvation, written to the believers in Rome around AD 57 while he was in Corinth. At the beginning of the letter (Romans 1), Paul introduces both himself and the central message he intends to defend: the gospel of Jesus Christ. Before he unfolds the details of human sinfulness (Romans 1:18 onward) and God’s way of justifying sinners by faith (Romans 3–5), Paul sets the tone with his personal conviction, he is not ashamed of this gospel, even though the world often scorns it. It strikes me often that persecution has never truly stopped. Paul boldly preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and paid for it with his life. Yet today, many churches dilute that same gospel until it loses its power and meaning. What they preach is no longer the gospel of Jesus, but a new message that bears little resemblance to what Paul proclaimed. The question we must face is this: are we willing to stand firm, even if it costs us friendships, family ties, or even our very lives? Or will we compromise, soften the message, or abandon the gospel altogether?

In the Roman world, shame and honor carried enormous weight. To be mocked, rejected, or persecuted could easily pressure a person into silence. The message of a crucified Savior was especially offensive to both Jews and Gentiles. For the Jews, the idea of Messiah dying on a cross was a stumbling block (they expected a conquering king). For Gentiles, the gospel appeared foolish, because crucifixion was the most humiliating form of execution reserved for the lowest criminals. Yet Paul boldly proclaims that what the world calls weak or foolish is in fact “the power of God.”

Romans 1:16 acts like a thesis statement for the whole letter. Everything Paul teaches in Romans flows out of this truth: salvation is offered freely, universally, and effectively through faith in Christ. From this point, Paul immediately transitions in verse 17 to explain how this salvation is revealed, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Together, verses 16–17 form the foundation of Romans and show why the rest of the book matters.

By anchoring his letter this way, Paul makes it clear that the gospel is not one of many religious ideas, it is God’s one way of salvation for all mankind.

Application

Appreciating God’s Greatness
Romans 1:16 reveals the unmatched greatness of God’s plan. The gospel is not man’s invention, but “the power of God unto salvation.” God alone can save, and He chose to do so through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Unlike human power, which fades and fails, God’s power in the gospel reaches every soul who believes, regardless of background or past sins.

For the Believer
For Christians, this verse is both encouragement and challenge. It reminds us that our faith rests in something unshakable, the power of God Himself. At the same time, it calls us to boldness. If Paul was unashamed before emperors, mobs, and eventually executioners, then we too are called to stand unashamed in our daily lives, whether before friends, coworkers, or even in hostile cultures.

Call to Action: Be intentional about sharing the gospel this week. It may be as simple as speaking a word of hope to someone, posting Scripture online, or refusing to compromise biblical truth when it would be easier to stay silent.

For the Unbeliever
For those who have not yet trusted in Christ, Romans 1:16 makes something clear: salvation is not found in religion, morality, or personal effort. It is the power of God alone, received by faith. The gospel is not an invitation to earn your way to heaven; it is God’s free gift, offered to all who believe. The same gospel Paul preached in Rome is the gospel that can save you today.

Final Encouragement

Paul’s words remind us that the gospel has never lost its power. From the first century until now, it has changed lives, healed brokenness, and brought salvation to those who believe. No matter how the world mocks or rejects it, the gospel of Jesus Christ remains God’s power to save. If we stand unashamed, we not only honor Christ but also become living testimonies of His power.

Our Prayer for You

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gospel of Jesus Christ, Your power to save. Give us courage to stand unashamed, no matter the cost. Strengthen believers to live boldly for You and soften the hearts of unbelievers to see their need for salvation in Christ. May Your Word take root in every reader today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing

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Shalom Shalom.