Romans 1:16
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Romans 1:16 boldly declares the unstoppable power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to bring salvation to all who believe, regardless of ethnicity or background. Paul emphasizes that faith in Christ is God's ordained way of salvation, embodying divine power and grace. This verse is central to Christian faith, highlighting gospel-centered salvation, inclusivity, and spiritual transformation—core themes for seekers, believers, and those exploring Christianity.
Summary
¶ 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.
Paul’s statement in Romans 1:16 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A16&version=KJV) roots the doctrine of salvation squarely in the 'gospel' (Greek: εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion), signifying good news—a royal proclamation of Christ's redemptive work. The 'power of God' (Greek: δύναμις θεοῦ, dynamis Theou) signifies not mere information but an active, divine force effecting transformation and deliverance from sin (see 1 Corinthians 1:18). Salvation (Greek: σωτηρία, sōtēria) refers to rescue from God's wrath and restoration into covenant fellowship, echoing Old Testament themes of deliverance (cf. Isaiah 52:7; https://www.chabad.org/library/bible\_cdo/aid/15957/showrashi/true). Paul’s order—'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek'—reflects God’s covenantal faithfulness to Israel and the expanding reach of redemption (cf. Genesis 12:3; Acts 13:46). For Paul, the gospel alone brings justification by faith (Romans 3:22-26; Galatians 3:8), eradicating all grounds for shame and boasting (Romans 3:27). His confidence affirms that the gospel reveals Christ's unique, divine, saving authority—'the power of God.'
Friend, Paul’s words urge us not to shrink back from the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel is not just a spiritual philosophy or a comforting story; it is the very power of God to redeem, restore, and renew every broken life—yours included. In our world full of shifting values and quiet compromise, Paul calls us to holy confidence: do not be ashamed, for in Christ you have a message that transcends culture, failure, and fear. The same gospel that saved first-century believers is still saving, healing, and forgiving today. Let this truth embolden you to live and love openly—trusting that God’s power, revealed in Christ, is enough for you and for every heart you encounter.