For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16
This famous verse is one of the most important verses in the book of Romans. It not only sets the stage for the rest of the book, but it also offers us a challenge today. The meaning of Romans 1:16 is one that we shouldn’t ignore.
This verse offers us a practical challenge that can change the way we go about our lives and faith. We are going to look at what this verse means and how we can practically apply it to our lives.
The Context Of Romans 1:16
Understanding the context of this verse will help us better apply the meaning of Romans 1:16 to our lives.
The book of Romans was written by Paul to the church in Rome. He wrote the letter to this church as he prepared to visit them for the first time. Throughout this letter, we see a clear presentation of the gospel and how we should live in light of Jesus.
In Romans 1 Paul sets the stage for what will follow by giving his purpose for this letter. He briefly introduces what God has called him to do and then switches to talking about the power of the gospel.
Romans 1:16-17 summarizes the rest of the letter and is one of the most important sections in the letter. Paul boldly proclaims that he is not ashamed of Jesus and that he believes the gospel has incredible power for the entire world.
Let’s take a closer like at this key verse.
The Meaning Of Romans 1:16
In just a single sentence Paul communicates a lot. This famous verse is seen as the central theme of the entire book. To help you better see the meaning of Romans 1:16 I’m going to break this verse into three sections.
For I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel
Previously Paul had expressed his desire to come to Rome and preach the gospel. Now Paul is proclaiming that he is not ashamed of the gospel message, he’s proud of it.
Rome was a great city and had a lot to offer. Perhaps some of the Christians were ashamed to proclaim the gospel because it seemed ridiculous to others. It was also common for Christians to face persecution because of their faith; even Paul found himself on the receiving end.
Regardless of the consequences, Paul is making his stance clear; he boldly claims For I am NOT ashamed of the gospel.
Because It Is The Power Of God That Brings Salvation To Everyone Who Believes
Paul reveals why he is not ashamed: because the gospel has the power to bring salvation to ALL. He’s showing his readers that anyone who puts their faith in Jesus will be saved and welcomed into God’s family.
This is incredible news, so why would anyone be ashamed? Paul is willing to stake his life on it, and he’s encouraging his readers to do likewise.
If the gospel is true then there’s nothing of consequence that a Christian can lose.
First To The Jew Then To The Gentile
Paul ends with this statement that might seem a little weird for us today: the gospel was first to the Jews then to the Gentiles.
A Gentile was anyone who was not a Jew. But why did the gospel have to go to the Jews first? God had promised to bring salvation through Israel to the rest of the world (Exodus 19:5-6, John 4:22). Therefore Israel was to receive his Son, and they got the first opportunity to follow him. This was why Jesus went to the Jews first. But when Jesus ascended into heaven he sent his disciples into the entire world proclaiming the message of salvation.
Paul is taking the gospel message to the entire world because it has the power to save all. And he’s encouraging his readers to do the same.
How Romans 1:16 Applies To Your Life
The power of the gospel is still available today. Despite that many Christians act ashamed of its message. Romans 1:16 challenges us to boldly proclaim the gospel everywhere we go. After all, we have an incredible message of hope that is open to everyone; why would we be ashamed of that?
Let’s end by looking at two ways we can apply the meaning of Romans 1:16 to our lives today.
1. Show The Gospel In How You Live
The way that Christians live should reflect what they believe. In other words, if we claim to follow Jesus we should actually be doing what he says.
In John 13:35 Jesus tells us that it is by our love that people will know that we are his followers. One of the best ways you can apply Romans 1:16 to your life is by loving the people around you. When we neglect to let our love be seen we are hiding the gospel.
Show others by how you live and how you treat them that you are not ashamed of the gospel.
2. Proclaim The Gospel With Your Words
Showing the gospel with our lives is the first step, but we should also proclaim the gospel with our words. That means that we are telling people about what God has done for us and inviting them into the life that he has for them.
I know this might be out of your comfort zone. But God has placed you in a unique spot to make an impact on someone in a way that no one else can. He wants to use YOU. And that means that sometimes we are going to have to take a risk and trust that God is with us.
I bet you will be shocked at what God can do through you when you start taking the gospel with you everywhere you go. Live it, speak it, and invite others into the life you’ve found in him.
Now check out: The Powerful Romans 5:8 Meaning (while we were still Sinners Christ died for us)
Looking for a great way to grow your faith and live in the life God has for you? I HIGHLY recommend Mark Moore’s Core 52. With these simple 15-minute readings you will gain the tools to grow your faith. Check it out here: Core 52: A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide to Build Your Bible IQ in a Year
BA in Biblical Studies - Ozark Christian College (2012)
MA in Theology - Regent University (2019)
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