Verse of the Day
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Introduction
Romans 1:16 serves as a theological cornerstone for Paul’s entire letter to the Romans and, indeed, for much of Christian doctrine. In this concise declaration, Paul articulates the central theme of the epistle: the universality and transformative power of the gospel. His bold proclamation—"I am not ashamed of the gospel"—sets the tone for a letter that defends, explains, and celebrates the righteousness of God revealed through faith. The verse encapsulates the tension and triumph of early Christian identity in a pluralistic and often hostile Greco-Roman world, and it continues to challenge and inspire believers today.
Commentary
“I am not ashamed” (οὐ γὰρ ἐπαισχύνομαι)
The phrase “I am not ashamed” is more than a personal assertion; it’s a defiant counterpoint to a cultural reality in which the gospel was often perceived as foolishness or weakness (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18). The Greek verb epaischynomai implies not only embarrassment but also the social shame associated with being aligned with something dishonorable. Paul’s refusal to feel shame reflects a deep confidence in the divine origin and efficacy of the gospel message.
“The gospel” (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον)
The term euangelion—“good news”—had imperial connotations in the Roman world, often referring to proclamations about Caesar. Paul’s use of the term reclaims it to signify the redemptive message concerning Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection. It is not just a message about God; it is God's saving action revealed in Christ.
“It is the power of God” (δύναμις γὰρ θεοῦ ἐστιν)
Here, dynamis (power) underscores that the gospel is not merely persuasive speech but the very active force of God. Unlike worldly power, which dominates by force or coercion, God's power redeems, transforms, and saves. The gospel doesn’t point to power—it is power.
“For salvation” (εἰς σωτηρίαν)
Salvation (sōtēria) in Pauline thought encompasses more than forgiveness of sins. It implies deliverance from sin’s penalty and power, reconciliation with God, and participation in the new creation. It is a comprehensive rescue—spiritual, relational, and eschatological.
“To everyone who has faith” (παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι)
Faith (pisteuō) here is not mere intellectual assent but active trust in God’s redemptive work in Christ. The phrase highlights the universal offer of the gospel, not limited by ethnicity, status, or merit.
“To the Jew first and also to the Greek”
This clause reflects both historical sequence and covenantal priority. God's redemptive work began with Israel, the covenant people, but extends now to all nations. “Greek” serves as a metonym for Gentiles. Paul is asserting the radical inclusivity of the gospel while honoring the historic role of the Jewish people in God’s salvation plan.
Understanding the Context
Romans 1:16 serves as a thematic statement for the epistle, introducing a series of arguments that span from human sinfulness (1:18–3:20) to justification by faith (3:21–5:21), sanctification (6–8), and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan (9–11), culminating in ethical exhortations (12–15). Paul writes to a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome, addressing tensions and questions about identity, law, and grace. In a city that revered imperial power and looked with suspicion upon divergent religions, Paul boldly asserts that the gospel—not Roman law, not philosophical reason—is the true vehicle of salvation.
In Greco-Roman society, crucifixion was the most shameful of deaths. To proclaim a crucified Messiah as the source of salvation was scandalous. Yet Paul does so without hesitation, framing the gospel as the manifestation of God’s righteousness and the only true hope for a divided and fallen world.
Application for Today
Romans 1:16 remains profoundly relevant in an age where Christian convictions are often countercultural. To be “not ashamed of the gospel” today may involve social, academic, or even legal costs, depending on one’s context. Still, Paul’s declaration urges believers to live and witness boldly—not arrogantly, but faithfully and courageously.
The “power of God for salvation” continues to work through the gospel message. In a time marked by spiritual hunger, ideological conflict, and social fragmentation, the gospel offers healing and unity. The inclusivity embedded in “to the Jew first and also to the Greek” challenges any form of ethnocentric or exclusivist faith. It calls the Church to a global, multiethnic, Spirit-empowered mission rooted in grace.
Christians are called to examine how they represent the gospel in word and deed. Is the power of salvation evident in our lives? Do we embody faith that draws others to Christ—or one that conforms to culture?
Reflection
Paul’s boldness raises enduring questions:
What might cause someone today to feel ashamed of the gospel?
In what ways have we exchanged the gospel’s power for mere social acceptance or comfort?
Are we living as though the gospel is truly the power of God for salvation?
Romans 1:16 challenges each believer to consider whether their life reflects the confidence Paul expresses. It invites deeper trust in the gospel’s power—not as a theory, but as a living reality that transforms hearts and communities. Faith, after all, is not a private opinion but a public declaration of allegiance to the risen Christ.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse, extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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