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. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17
Scripture Notes
Many doubted the resurrection or spread rumors about Christians and their conspiracies, yet Paul’s words show no shame. He trusted the gospel, even if it meant being associated with a convicted criminal. It’s a modern idea to think Paul worried about public speaking or his reputation, when in reality he spoke to those who considered themselves powerful and dominant. Paul was not deliberating his Christian identity, but challenging those who considered themselves above God. The Romans were the most powerful, the Greeks the most knowledgeable, and yet neither culture could save them. There is nothing that anyone can do, mighty or weak, wealthy or poor, who can gain salvation by their own means.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
To some, salvation seems foolish; the idea that it cannot be bought, earned, or won is hard to accept, yet it remains true. We feel ashamed to share the gospel because people see us as associating with someone illegitimate. They suppress the truth because they believe more in themselves than in God and want us to do likewise. However, we should not be ashamed of the gospel, for it is not the power of man but that of the living God who is sovereign.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.1 Chronicles 29:11-12
If salvation is for everyone, then why does Paul go to the Jews first and then the Gentiles? The children of Israel receive priority not because their salvation works differently or they have more merit. Paul recognizes that the Jews are God’s chosen people. Through His people, God made covenants, gave promises, and revealed truths. Jesus was born a Jew, and when he began his ministry, he began with the Jewish people because salvation is from the Jews (John 4:22). Humility is also at work, reminding the Jews that they were being humbled into recognizing that God accepted everyone, not just His chosen people. Meanwhile, the Gentiles were reminded that with all their power, wealth, and knowledge, they could not save themselves, but that through adoption among the despised peoples of Israel they could find life.
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:6
Everyone is offered salvation equally, regardless of background (Galatians 3:28). We do not deserve saving, but because of God’s righteousness and love, He gave us his son to save us. The truth of the gospel is that through Jesus’ death we can have life. We should not be ashamed to live by truth, even if others choose not to. Living by faith means denying lordship over our own lives and not submitting to the will of others. Instead, we should walk with our heads held high, not with pride, but with reverence and words of glory on our lips for the Almighty.
“Behold the proud,
His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith.Habakkuk 2:4
MEMORY VERse
Leopold Bode. Trees, 1831–1906. The Cleveland Museum of Art
Related Verses
More verses about being unashamed of the gospel:
Prayer Invitation
Application Questions
- Whose opinion or acceptance are you desiring more than the approval of God? Why? What daily decision can you make to pursue God more rather than a person, group, idea, or philosophy?
- Do you feel shame when you share your faith? Why? What is at the heart of why you feel embarrassed? How can you begin to stand stronger in your faith even when facing opposition?Are there people that you treat as though they are beyond God’s salvation? Why? How can you begin to rework your mindset and heart to welcome those you have previously written off?
- How are you still acting like you can earn your salvation? Why? What things or influences need to change in your life so you can refocus your attention on the gospel message and the truth that there is nothing you can do to earn salvation?
- If you take a step back and you look at your life, are you living by faith or by your inflated sense of self? What would your life look like if you “lived by faith?”
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