Romans 1:16 kjv

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.

Romans 1:16 nkjv

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Romans 1:16 niv

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 esv

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16 nlt

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes ? the Jew first and also the Gentile.

Romans 1 verses

Romans 1 16 Meaning

Romans 1:16 declares Paul's unwavering confidence in the Gospel. He asserts that the Good News of Christ is not something to be ashamed of, but rather it is the dynamic manifestation of God's power unto salvation for everyone who believes. This salvation is revealed first to the Jew, in recognition of God's historical covenant with Israel, and then equally to the Gentile, affirming the universal reach of God's grace. It encapsulates the core message of Christianity: God's divinely empowered solution for humanity's deepest need, offered through faith in Jesus Christ, without partiality.

Romans 1 16 Context

Romans chapter 1 opens with Paul's salutation, identifying himself as an apostle "set apart for the gospel of God" (v. 1). He expresses his longing to visit the believers in Rome, hoping to impart spiritual gifts and be mutually encouraged (v. 11-12). Prior to Romans 1:16, Paul states his obligation to both Greeks and barbarians, wise and foolish (v. 14), signaling his evangelistic zeal. He declares his eagerness to preach the gospel in Rome (v. 15), which directly sets the stage for his powerful declaration in verse 16 about the nature and purpose of the gospel. This verse acts as a pivotal theological thesis statement, introducing the subsequent argument that unfolds throughout the book of Romans – that all humanity, Jew and Gentile, is under sin and therefore in need of the righteous salvation offered by God through faith in Christ, which is the very power and wisdom of God revealed.

Romans 1 16 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): Connects the statement directly to Paul's previous declaration (v. 15) of his eagerness to preach the gospel in Rome. It provides the reason for his eagerness: the intrinsic value and power of the gospel itself.
• I am not ashamed (οὐ γὰρ ἐπαισχύνομαι - ou gar epaischynomai): "Epaischunomai" (ἐπαισχύνομαι) means to feel disgrace or shyness, to be deterred by negative judgment. Paul uses a strong double negative (οὐ...γὰρ) emphasizing his absolute lack of shame. In a world where a crucified Messiah was often mocked (by Romans as foolish, by Jews as cursed), and Christianity was seen as a strange, sometimes subversive, sect, Paul's declaration of non-shame was a counter-cultural, bold affirmation. It implies conviction and courage in the face of scorn.
• of the gospel (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον - to euangelion): "Euangelion" means "good news" or "glad tidings." In the Roman world, it was often used for imperial proclamations of good news (e.g., a king's birth, accession, or victory). Paul reclaims the term, applying it uniquely to the salvific message about Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and saving work. It is God's announcement, His authoritative good news.
• for (γάρ - gar): Again, a causal connector, explaining why he is not ashamed: because of the gospel's inherent nature.
• it is the power of God (δύναμις γὰρ θεοῦ ἐστιν - dynamis gar theou estin): "Dynamis" (δύναμις) refers to inherent power, might, or ability, the effective force of God at work. The gospel is not mere words or philosophy; it is the active, transforming, saving energy of God. This contrasts with human weakness or reliance on worldly wisdom (cf. 1 Cor 1:18, 23).
• unto salvation (εἰς σωτηρίαν - eis sōtērian): "Soteria" (σωτηρία) refers to deliverance, preservation, health, welfare, or rescue from danger. Biblically, it encompasses redemption from sin, justification, spiritual life, and eternal glory. It implies a comprehensive well-being offered by God, transforming one from a state of perishing to a state of being saved, both in this life and the life to come.
• to every one who believes (παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι - panti tō pisteuonti): Emphasizes universality and the singular requirement for salvation: faith ("pisteuonti," from "pisteuō" - to believe, trust, rely upon). It's an active, ongoing belief, not mere intellectual assent, but a wholehearted trusting in God's provision through Christ. This phrase includes everyone without distinction of race, status, or background.
• to the Jew first (Ἰουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον - Ioudaiō te prōton): Acknowledges God's historical covenant priority with Israel (Rom 9:4-5), to whom the prophecies and promises were given, and through whom the Messiah came. The gospel was historically preached "first" to Jews (e.g., Acts 13:46; Rom 2:9-10). This indicates sequence and privilege, not exclusive access.
• and also to the Greek (καὶ Ἕλληνι - kai Hellēni): "Greek" (Hellēni) here stands as a broad term for all Gentiles, non-Jews, indicating the gospel's universal reach beyond Israel. God's plan always encompassed all nations (Gen 12:3). This highlights that the offer of salvation is equally available and effective for all people groups, irrespective of their ethnic or cultural identity.

Words-group analysis:

• "I am not ashamed of the gospel": This phrase expresses Paul's courageous conviction. He refuses to hide or apologize for a message that was often ridiculed or despised. This stance sets the tone for his mission and stands as an example for all believers. It is an act of spiritual defiance against societal pressures and worldly shame.
• "for it is the power of God": This provides the foundational reason for Paul's lack of shame. The gospel isn't a mere human philosophy or moral code; it's the effective, dynamic operation of God Himself, actualizing salvation. This divine power is precisely what sets it apart and makes it effective.
• "unto salvation to every one who believes": This defines the purpose and scope of the gospel. Its ultimate aim is to bring people into salvation – a complete, multifaceted deliverance. The inclusivity of "every one" underlines its universal applicability, while "who believes" establishes faith as the sole condition.
• "to the Jew first and also to the Greek": This clarifies the order and breadth of God's redemptive plan. "First" points to historical priority and covenantal responsibility, reflecting the narrative of salvation history (from Israel to the nations). "Also" signifies equality of access and divine impartiality, showing that God's grace extends fully to all humanity without exception.

Romans 1 16 Bonus section

Romans 1:16 functions as a thematic introduction to the entire book of Romans. The concept of "salvation to everyone who believes" naturally leads into the detailed theological exposition of how this salvation is achieved: through the "righteousness of God" (Romans 1:17) – a righteousness provided by God and received by faith, not earned by works. This sets up the grand argument that all, Jew and Gentile, are under sin (Romans 1:18-3:20) and thus equally dependent on God's provision of righteousness through faith in Christ (Romans 3:21-26). The phrase "Jew first and also to the Greek" also anticipates the sustained discussion in Romans chapters 9-11 regarding Israel's historical role, its present unbelief, and its future restoration within God's universal plan of salvation. The concept of shame also links to the concept of justification and hope, where "hope does not put us to shame" (Rom 5:5), because God's love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit confirms our standing before God, removing all ground for ultimate shame.

Romans 1 16 Commentary

Romans 1:16 stands as a profound theological and personal statement, encapsulating the essence of Paul's mission and the gospel's power. Paul's emphatic "I am not ashamed" reveals his bold commitment, defying a social context where allegiance to a crucified Messiah was often scorned by sophisticated Romans and zealous Jews. This wasn't merely a private conviction but a public declaration of the gospel's worth. He had every reason, from a worldly perspective, to be ashamed – persecution, hardship, the "foolishness" of the cross – yet his confidence stemmed from the divine nature of the message itself.

The gospel, for Paul, is not simply news about God, but the very "power of God" – a potent, divine force capable of transforming lives. It's not a set of moral guidelines, nor human wisdom, but God's inherent ability actively working to save. This power's immediate outcome is "salvation," a comprehensive deliverance that impacts all facets of life: redemption from sin's penalty, empowerment for righteous living, and the promise of eternal life. Crucially, this salvation is freely offered "to everyone who believes." This simple condition highlights the radical inclusivity of the gospel, where no one is excluded based on their background or works, only by their choice to trust in Christ. The phrase "to the Jew first and also to the Greek" addresses God's historical dealing with humanity. Israel received God's revelation first and bore the Messiah. This priority does not imply a greater inherent value of Jews but reflects the historical outworking of God's covenant plan and ensures Gentiles acknowledge their inclusion is by grace through Israel. Ultimately, it signifies that salvation through faith is equally available and effective for all people groups. The verse serves as a declaration of universal access to God's transformative power, provided through the gospel, activated by faith, and accessible to all humanity without exception or prejudice.

Practical application:

• Boldness in witness: Just as Paul was unashamed, believers are called to confidently share the gospel without fear of rejection or societal ridicule.
• Trust in God's power: We must rely on the inherent power of the gospel, not clever arguments or human wisdom, for transformation.
• Universal embrace: Recognize that the gospel is for everyone, motivating us to extend its message globally without prejudice.