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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

The Apostle Paul begins his letter to the church in Rome, outlining his mission and purpose. He expresses his eagerness to preach the gospel there (Romans 1:15), leading into this foundational statement about the nature and power of the gospel itself. This verse serves as a thesis statement for much of the book of Romans, which systematically unpacks the themes of sin, salvation, faith, and God's righteousness revealed through the gospel.

Key Themes

  • Unashamed Proclamation: Paul declares his bold confidence in the gospel, contrasting with potential shame or embarrassment associated with the message of a crucified Messiah in both Jewish and Roman cultures.
  • The Gospel's Power: The gospel is not merely information or a philosophy, but described as the very power of God. This power is effective and transformative.
  • Salvation: The purpose of this divine power is salvation, rescuing individuals from sin, death, and judgment, and bringing them into a right relationship with God.
  • Salvation by Faith: This power unto salvation is specifically for "every one that believeth." Faith is the essential response required to receive the benefits of the gospel. This theme is central to Paul's message throughout Romans.
  • Universality of the Gospel: The message is for "the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (representing Gentiles). While God's covenant history began with Israel, salvation through Christ is now offered to all people groups without distinction, though there was a historical priority in the initial preaching.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "gospel" is euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), meaning "good news" or "glad tidings." It refers specifically to the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. The word translated "power" is dynamis (δύναμις), from which we get the English word "dynamite." It signifies inherent strength, ability, or power, emphasizing the active, forceful nature of God at work through the gospel to save. Paul's statement highlights that the gospel is not just news, but the powerful means by which God achieves salvation.

Reflection and Application

Paul's declaration challenges believers today to similarly stand firm and not be ashamed of the gospel. In a world often skeptical or hostile to its message, understanding that the gospel is God's own powerful method for bringing salvation can strengthen our resolve to share it. The emphasis on faith reminds us that salvation is a gift received, not earned. Furthermore, the inclusion of both "Jew" and "Greek" underscores the gospel's relevance and necessity for people of all backgrounds, races, and social statuses, calling us to share it broadly.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 8:38 (100 votes)

    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 (72 votes)

    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 (54 votes)

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

  • Psalms 40:9 (51 votes)

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

  • Psalms 40:10 (51 votes)

    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 (51 votes)

    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 (42 votes)

    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.