Transcript:
Romans 1:16—“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.”
The Apostle Paul penned these words as he prepared to visit Rome, the heart of the world’s greatest empire (vv.10–11,13, 15). Rome prized military power, philosophical wisdom, and political prestige, yet Paul was unashamed to proclaim a crucified Saviour. To many, the Gospel appeared weak and foolish (1 Corinthians 1:18–25), but Paul knew it to be God’s appointed means of saving sinners.
The phrase “the gospel of Christ” refers to the glad tidings concerning the person and saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the proclamation of His sinless life, atoning death, victorious resurrection, and exaltation. It is not merely good advice or a moral code but the divine message by which God brings salvation. Paul declares it to be “the power of God unto salvation”, for through the Gospel the Holy Spirit awakens spiritually dead sinners, grants them faith, justifies them by grace, and begins the work of sanctification. Human wisdom cannot save, but God’s Gospel transforms hearts and gives eternal life.
This saving power is offered “to every one that believeth”, whether Jew or Gentile, demonstrating God’s impartial grace to all who trust in Christ alone. Faith is not a meritorious work, but the God-given means of receiving His free gift of salvation.
In an age when biblical truth is often ridiculed, believers must not hide or dilute the Gospel. Instead, let us proclaim it with holy confidence, remembering that its effectiveness rests not upon our eloquence but upon God’s sovereign power. The Gospel that saved us is still God’s mighty power to save all who believe.
