Romans 1:16-17 (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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Key Takeaways:
– These verses introduce the themes and truths of the full epistle, and provide insights to help us properly read and understand the letter.
– “not ashamed:…opposition and criticism will not derail us.
– “gospel”…the bad news of sin and pride gives way to the good news of life. While our lives can be used by others to dismiss the gospel, the gospel itself remains the biggest stumbling block to unbelievers.
– “power”…no one is too difficult for the Lord; He is unstoppable.
– “salvation”…deliverance, rescue, freedom.
– “believes”…not merely hears or studies it, but commits to follow the Way.
– “righteousness”…approx. 60 uses in the letter; God always does right and well, whether we understand His ways or not.
– “as it is written”…Paul generously quotes from the OT; second only to Hebrews in the quotes or references from the OT record.
– “faith”…we live it. We don’t just profess it. We were dead, but now live. We were blind, but now see.