Romans 1:16

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I am {G1870} not {G3756} ashamed {G1870} of the gospel {G2098} of Christ {G5547}: for {G1063} it is {G2076} the power {G1411} of God {G2316} unto {G1519} salvation {G4991} to every one {G3956} that believeth {G4100}; to the Jew {G2453} first {G4412}, and {G5037} also {G2532} to the Greek {G1672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I am not ashamed of the Good News, since it is God’s powerful means of bringing salvation to everyone who keeps on trusting, to the Jew especially, but equally to the Gentile.

Berean Standard Bible

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:16 serves as a foundational declaration of the Apostle Paul's unwavering confidence in the gospel. He proclaims that he is not ashamed of this message, for it is nothing less than the dynamic power of God, actively bringing about salvation. This divine power is made effective for everyone who believes, demonstrating its universal reach by extending first to the Jew, and then equally to the Greek, thereby establishing the gospel's transformative efficacy and inclusive scope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 1:16 stands as a pivotal thesis statement within Paul's letter to the Roman church. Following his extensive salutation and personal introduction (Romans 1:1-7), and his expression of longing to visit and minister in Rome (Romans 1:8-15), this verse succinctly encapsulates the core message he intends to unpack throughout the epistle. It immediately precedes and sets the stage for the profound theological exposition on God's righteousness revealed through the gospel, which is introduced in [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed") and then systematically developed through the universal indictment of humanity's sin (beginning in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")) and the subsequent revelation of salvation by faith. The verse thus functions as a thematic gateway, signaling the central arguments concerning justification, sanctification, and God's sovereign plan for both Jew and Gentile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote to believers in Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire, a city characterized by its diverse population of Jews, Greeks (representing the broader Gentile world), and Romans. In this cosmopolitan environment, the message of a crucified Messiah was often perceived as scandalous to Jews, who sought a conquering king, and foolishness to Greeks, who valued philosophical wisdom and strength. To declare oneself "not ashamed" of such a message was a bold counter-cultural statement, defying the prevailing societal pressures and intellectual disdain. Furthermore, the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers within the early church in Rome was a significant factor, as evidenced by later discussions in the letter regarding dietary laws and observance of days (e.g., [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Principles of Christian Liberty")). Paul's assertion that the gospel is for "the Jew first, and also to the Greek" addresses this dynamic, affirming God's historical priority for Israel while simultaneously emphasizing the gospel's universal accessibility and unifying power for all who believe, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several foundational themes central to the book of Romans and Pauline theology. First, it highlights the **righteousness of God**, which is revealed through the gospel (as further elaborated in [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")). This righteousness is not merely an attribute of God but His saving activity, making sinners right with Him. Second, the theme of **salvation by faith** is explicitly stated, emphasizing that the gospel's power is effective "to every one that believeth." This concept is a cornerstone of Paul's theology, contrasting with salvation by works of the law (e.g., [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith")). Third, the **universality of the gospel** is powerfully articulated by its reach to "the Jew first, and also to the Greek," underscoring that God's plan of salvation extends beyond ethnic boundaries to encompass all humanity. Finally, the **power of God** is presented as the inherent dynamic force of the gospel itself, demonstrating that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine work, capable of transforming lives and reconciling people to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ashamed (Greek, _epaischýnomai'_):** Derived from *epi* (upon) and *aischynomai* (to feel shame), this word means "to feel shame for something" or "to be put to shame." Paul's declaration, "I am not ashamed," is a strong negation, indicating a defiant confidence in the face of potential ridicule, social ostracism, or intellectual scorn that the message of a crucified Messiah might evoke in Roman or Jewish society. It implies a courageous embrace and bold proclamation of the gospel, regardless of external pressures or personal cost.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** This term literally means "good message" or "glad tidings." In the New Testament, it refers specifically to the good news concerning God's saving activity through Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and ascension—which brings about reconciliation between God and humanity. It is not merely information but a divine announcement of God's redemptive work, demanding a response of faith. Paul consistently uses this term to denote the core message of salvation that he preaches.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** This word signifies inherent strength, ability, or miraculous power. It is the root of the English word "dynamite," though it refers more broadly to dynamic, active force rather than explosive destruction. Here, *dynamis* describes the intrinsic, effective, and transformative nature of the gospel. It is not just a message *about* power, but the very *power* of God at work, actively accomplishing salvation in those who believe. This emphasizes that salvation is not achieved by human effort or wisdom, but by God's own mighty intervention through the gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:"** Paul begins with a strong personal affirmation, using "for" (Greek, *gar*) to introduce the reason for his eagerness to preach in Rome (Romans 1:15). His declaration of being "not ashamed" directly confronts the cultural and religious objections to the gospel—a crucified Messiah was a scandal to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. By stating his lack of shame, Paul asserts his full confidence and bold allegiance to the message of Jesus Christ, recognizing its divine origin and ultimate truth, despite its counter-cultural nature.
* **"for it is the power of God unto salvation"** This clause provides the profound theological justification for Paul's unashamed stance. The gospel is not merely a human philosophy, a set of moral guidelines, or an historical account; it is the active, dynamic "power of God." This power is directed "unto salvation," meaning it is the effective means by which God rescues humanity from sin, death, and judgment, bringing them into a right relationship with Himself. It highlights that salvation is a divine work, not a human achievement.
* **"to every one that believeth;"** This phrase specifies the condition for receiving this divine power unto salvation: faith. The gospel's power is not indiscriminately applied but is activated and received by those who "believe"—who trust in, rely on, and commit themselves to the message of Christ. This emphasizes the personal and volitional response required from individuals to partake in God's saving work, making faith the essential conduit for salvation.
* **"to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."** This final clause clarifies the universal scope of the gospel, while also acknowledging a historical and theological priority. "The Jew first" recognizes God's covenant relationship with Israel and the fact that the gospel was initially proclaimed to the Jewish people. "And also to the Greek" (representing all non-Jews or Gentiles) underscores that the gospel's saving power extends equally to all humanity, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers. It signifies that God's plan of salvation through Christ is inclusive, embracing all who believe, regardless of their background.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 1:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The opening phrase, "For I am not ashamed," functions as a strong **Assertion** and a declaration of Paul's personal conviction, setting a tone of bold confidence. This assertion immediately establishes a **Contrast** with the world's potential contempt for the gospel, highlighting Paul's unwavering commitment. The statement "it is the power of God" utilizes **Metonymy**, where the gospel, which is a message, is equated with the divine power it embodies and conveys. This emphasizes that the gospel is not just words but an active, efficacious force. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a **Thesis Statement** for the entire book of Romans, succinctly summarizing its core themes of God's righteousness, salvation by faith, and the gospel's universal reach to both Jew and Gentile. The structure of the verse, moving from Paul's personal stance to the gospel's divine nature and then its universal application, demonstrates a clear and logical progression, characteristic of Paul's rhetorical style.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:16 is a theological cornerstone, linking the gospel's divine power to its universal availability through faith. It encapsulates the core of God's redemptive plan, revealing His righteousness not as a condemning standard but as His active power to save. This verse connects deeply with the Old Testament promise of a Messiah who would bring salvation, expanding that promise to include all nations, not just Israel. It underscores that salvation is entirely a work of God, initiated by His power, received by human faith, and offered indiscriminately to all humanity. The gospel is thus presented as the ultimate revelation of God's character—His love, justice, and mercy—culminating in the provision of a means for humanity to be reconciled to Him.

* [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1-corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross as God's Power")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in Romans 1:16 challenges believers today to examine their own posture toward the gospel. In a world that often dismisses, ridicules, or seeks to silence the Christian message, are we truly "not ashamed" of the gospel of Christ? This verse calls us to a courageous confidence, reminding us that the power of the gospel does not reside in our eloquence, intellectual arguments, or social acceptance, but in God Himself. Our task is simply to proclaim it, trusting in its inherent divine efficacy to bring salvation. Furthermore, the emphasis on "every one that believeth" reinforces the fundamental truth that salvation is a gift received by faith, not earned by works or merit, prompting us to rest in God's grace. Finally, the gospel's universal scope—"to the Jew first, and also to the Greek"—compels us to embrace a global vision for evangelism and missions, recognizing that God desires all people from every background to hear and respond to this life-transforming message. It reminds us that our churches should be welcoming communities where all are invited to experience God's saving power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or in what social contexts might you be tempted to feel ashamed of the gospel, and how can Romans 1:16 strengthen your resolve?**
* **How does understanding the gospel as the "power of God" change your approach to sharing your faith with others?**
* **Considering the gospel's universal reach, how can you personally or your church community better demonstrate its inclusivity to "every one that believeth," regardless of background?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul "not ashamed" of the gospel, and what does that imply for believers today?**

Answer: Paul's declaration of being "not ashamed" (Greek, *epaischýnomai*) was a bold counter-cultural statement. In the Roman world, the message of a crucified Jewish Messiah was often seen as foolishness or a scandal. To the Jews, a crucified Messiah was a stumbling block, as they expected a conquering king, not one who died a shameful death. Paul, a highly educated Jew and Roman citizen, could have easily found the gospel embarrassing or socially disadvantageous. However, his lack of shame stemmed from his profound conviction that the gospel was not a human invention but the very "power of God" for salvation. For believers today, this implies a call to courageous confidence in the gospel, even when it is unpopular, misunderstood, or ridiculed. It means prioritizing God's truth over societal approval and understanding that the gospel's power comes from God, not from human acceptance or intellectual validation. We are to boldly proclaim and live out the truth of the gospel, just as Paul did, knowing that its efficacy is divine.

**What does it mean that the gospel is the "power of God unto salvation"?**

Answer: The Greek word for "power" here is *dýnamis*, which denotes inherent strength, ability, or dynamic force. When Paul states that the gospel is the "power of God unto salvation," he means that the gospel is not merely a set of facts, a moral code, or a philosophical system. Instead, it is the active, effective, and transformative means by which God Himself works to bring about salvation. It is the divine energy that convicts of sin, grants repentance, brings spiritual life, justifies the ungodly, and transforms lives. This power is directed "unto salvation" (Greek, *eis sōtēría*), indicating its purpose and goal: to rescue humanity from sin, death, and God's wrath, and to establish them in a right, reconciled relationship with God. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely a work of God, accomplished through the gospel, and not through human effort or merit.

**What is the significance of "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights both God's historical redemptive plan and the universal scope of the gospel. "To the Jew first" acknowledges God's covenant relationship with Israel, through whom the Messiah came, and the fact that the gospel was initially proclaimed to the Jewish people (e.g., [Acts 3:26](/acts/3-26 "Acts 3:26 - To You First")). Jesus Himself ministered primarily to Israel, and the early church began in Jerusalem with Jewish believers. However, "and also to the Greek" (representing all Gentiles or non-Jews) emphatically declares that the gospel's saving power is equally available to all humanity, without distinction. This breaks down ethnic and cultural barriers, affirming that God's plan of salvation through Christ is inclusive, extending to every person who believes, regardless of their background (as seen in [Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12-13 "Romans 10:12-13 - Call on the Name of the Lord")). It underscores the unity of all believers in Christ and the global mission of the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:16 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "gospel *of Christ*" is inherently Christ-centered, for He is both its subject and its object. Jesus Himself embodies the "power of God unto salvation," as He is God incarnate, whose life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection are the very means by which God's saving power is unleashed upon humanity. As [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1-corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") declares, Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God." Through His obedient life, He fulfilled the Law; through His sacrificial death on the cross, He bore the penalty for sin, becoming the propitiation for our transgressions (as seen in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")); and through His resurrection, He conquered death, securing eternal life for all who believe. The "salvation" spoken of is salvation *in Christ*, achieved *by Christ*, and received *through faith in Christ*. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the one who breaks down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, making "one new humanity" out of the two (as articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Romans 1:16 is a powerful testament to the person and work of Jesus, who is the divine power, the saving grace, and the unifying head for all who believe, whether Jew or Greek.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 8:38

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

2 Timothy 1:8

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Psalms 40:9

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

Psalms 40:10

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

2 Timothy 1:12

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Luke 9:26

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and [in his] Father's, and of the holy angels.