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.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's declaration that he is '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' serves as the thesis statement of the entire letter to the Romans. The social shame of crucifixion made the gospel culturally embarrassing in both Jewish (a crucified Messiah was a contradiction) and Greco-Roman (crucifixion was reserved for the lowest) contexts. The word 'power' (dynamis, from which 'dynamite' derives) frames the gospel not as mere information but as an operative force that changes its recipients. 'First to the Jew, then to the Gentile' maintains salvation-historical priority for Israel while insisting on the universal scope of the gospel.
Other Translations
For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
for I am not ashamed of the good news of the Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to every one who is believing, both to Jew first, and to Greek.
For I have no feeling of shame about the good news, because it is the power of God giving salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first, and then to the Greek.
Cross References
I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.
I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not …
My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine …
The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in …
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also …
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall …