What are your initial thoughts of the following passsage?

Romans 1:16–17 CSB
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

This sets the theme for the entire letter and Paul’s life – the power of the Gospel.

Without the gospel, there is no salvation, no deliverance, and no life. Everything God desires for us is found in the gospel.

Convinced of the Power of the Gospel (1:16–17)

“There’s no sense in declaring that you’re not ashamed of something unless you’ve been tempted to feel ashamed of it.” —James Stewart

Paul, often seen as invincible, admits his human side.

1 Corinthians 2:3 CSB
3 I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.

Paul fears not the Gospel but the challenge of spreading it. All, from royalty to the common man, need the gospel.

Habakkuk 2:4 CSB
4 Look, his ego is inflated;
he is without integrity.
But the righteous one will live by his faith.

In verse 17, Paul quotes God’s comforting words to Habakkuk. Even when facing injustice and confusion, the righteous are called to live by faith.

Historical Context

Paul writes to believers in Rome, a city affected by the banishment of Jews under Claudius. The believers may have felt powerless and wondered where God was in their suffering.

Paul, having read Habakkuk, knows they need a revelation from God. The gospel is God’s good news, and Paul is the herald unashamed of both circumstances and God.

The pagan power of Rome is no match for the power of God in the gospel. The righteous must live by faith, empowered to change lives.

Shift to Today

Believers today may feel powerless against cultural shifts. In a “post-Christian” phase, believers need the same revelation of good news.

The Gospel remains a powerful force for transformation. Every believer, armed with conviction, can impact the world.

Isaiah 55:11 CSB
11 so my word that comes from my mouth
will not return to me empty,
but it will accomplish what I please
and will prosper in what I send it to do.

Paul echoes Isaiah 55:11, emphasizing that the gospel is the power of God for everyone who believes.

Next Steps

Reflect on Paul’s convictions, internalize the truth that the gospel is a living, transformative power. Be heralds of this divine message, unashamed and unwavering.

Pray

Beloved, go forth empowered by the gospel, and be the change that God’s righteousness brings to the world!

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father, together with the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen.