Online Bible Verses - Romans 1:16 - not ashamed of the Gospel

“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

Paul writing to the church in Rome, encouraging them in the Gospel. First, Paul makes clear he is not ashamed. Why would He be ashamed? For the same reason we might be today. You may believe something is true, and it may even be. Often times what you come to believe will also be very unpopular. Let’s not forget that Jesus had just been killed for what He said, the claims He made. True or untrue, they inflamed a great deal of anger. Once he had been physically removed from the scene, an amazing movement took place. Despite the dangers involved, thousands immediately came to faith and the Christian church was born.

Gospel = good news. The good news being, a bridge had now been placed across the chasm formed in Genesis chapter 3 between God and man. Christ, via His sacrifice, had reconciled us to God. I am believer in the Gospel, so it is good news to me.

And what about this Jew and Gentile thing? Did Jews come first due to some form of favoritism? Was Paul a Zionist of some sort? Not at all. God had to take on flesh and show up somewhere via some group of people. He needed a community, a vehicle into which He would take on flesh. Turns out Jesus would be the descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God’s plan all along, and retroactively, was to include everyone. And so he did and has.

My pastor back in Binghamton, NY told me once, “We are, in fact, adopted Jews.” Grafted into a covenant, God’s intent all along.

Great, and why not. I am now Sicilian – Irish – Catholic – Baptist AND Jewish. Can fight and drink with the best of them, been baptized twice and claim to be Jewish all at the same time.

Actually, I can’t fight that good anymore and I don’t drink. Praise God for that.