Romans 1:16

Commentary on Romans 1:16

Romans 1:16 (King James Version): “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.”

1. Concise Takeaway

Paul declares that the gospel of Christ is nothing less than the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe. This conviction shapes Christian identity, courage, and mission in every age.

2. Exegetical Commentary

2.1 The flow of Romans 1

Romans 1[i] sets out Paul’s thesis for the entire letter. After greeting the Roman believers and expressing his longing to visit them, Paul states the central theme of Romans in verses 16 and 17. These verses explain why Paul preaches boldly and why the gospel is humanity’s only hope.

2.2 “For I am not ashamed”

Paul’s statement is both personal and theological. In the Roman world, the gospel appeared foolish and weak. A crucified Messiah was offensive to Jews and absurd to Gentiles. Yet Paul refuses shame because he knows the gospel’s true nature.

This echoes Jesus’ own teaching: Mark 8:38 (KJV): “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…”

Paul’s lack of shame is not bravado but conviction grounded in God’s revelation.

2.3 “The gospel of Christ”

The gospel is not a human philosophy or moral improvement program. It is the announcement of what God has done in Jesus Christ: his incarnation, perfect obedience, atoning death, bodily resurrection, and present reign.

2.4 “For it is the power of God unto salvation”

The gospel does not merely describe God’s power; it is God’s power at work. The Greek term dynamis conveys active, effective power. Salvation is not self-achieved; it is God’s work from beginning to end.

Paul expands this in the chapter: Romans 1:18 (KJV): “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…” Humanity’s universal sinfulness means salvation must come from God, not human effort.

2.5 “To every one that believeth”

Faith is the means by which salvation is received. It is not a work that earns salvation but trust in the finished work of Christ.

Paul later clarifies: Romans 3:28 (KJV): “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

2.6 “To the Jew first, and also to the Greek”

This reflects salvation history. God’s covenant promises were first given to Israel, and the Messiah came through Israel. Yet the gospel is for all nations. Paul’s phrase affirms both continuity with the Old Testament and the universal scope of God’s saving plan.

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3. Theological Teaching

3.1 The gospel is God’s power, not ours

Christian confidence rests not in eloquence, strategy, or cultural acceptance but in God’s power working through the gospel.

3.2 Salvation is God’s initiative

Romans 1 shows humanity’s desperate need. The gospel is not advice but rescue.

3.3 Faith is the instrument of salvation

Faith unites the believer to Christ. It is simple trust, not intellectual achievement.

3.4 The gospel is for all peoples

There is no ethnic, cultural, or moral boundary that excludes a person who believes.

3.5 The gospel confronts human pride

Romans 1:21–22 describes humanity’s refusal to honour God: “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God… Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” The gospel humbles us by revealing our sin and exalts Christ as the only Saviour.

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4. Meditation Guide

4.1 Reflect
“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.”

Sit quietly with Romans 1:16. Ask:

• Where am I tempted to be ashamed of the gospel?
• Do I trust the gospel as God’s power, or do I rely on my own strength?
• Do I believe the gospel is for all people, including those I find difficult or different?

4.2 Pray

• Thank God for revealing his power in Christ.
• Confess any fear or shame in speaking about Christ.
• Ask for renewed confidence in the gospel’s power.
• Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with humility and love.

4.3 Apply

• Speak the gospel with clarity and gentleness in your daily relationships.
• Live in a way that reflects confidence in Christ rather than cultural approval.
• Support gospel ministry locally and globally.
• Cultivate habits that deepen your trust in God’s power, such as regular prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship.

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[i] Romans 1

King James Version

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

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.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain