Romans 1:14-17
14 “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to the uncultured, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16 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. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: “But the righteous one will live by faith.”
Verse 14: Paul acknowledges his obligation to share the gospel with both Greeks and non-Greeks, encompassing people from different cultural backgrounds and intellectual capacities. He recognizes that the message of salvation is for all people, regardless of their social status or level of wisdom. This highlights Paul’s commitment to fulfilling his calling as an apostle and his dedication to proclaiming the good news to everyone.
Verse 15: Paul expresses his eagerness to preach the gospel to the believers in Rome. He recognizes the significance of the city and its influence, and he desires to share the message of salvation with them. This eagerness reflects Paul’s passion for spreading the good news and his understanding of the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of believers.
Verse 16: Paul boldly declares that he is not ashamed of the gospel. He recognizes that the gospel is not just a mere message, but it is the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe. Paul emphasizes the universal scope of the gospel, as it is available to both Jews and Gentiles. This highlights the inclusive nature of God’s salvation and the transformative impact it can have on the lives of believers.
Verse 17: Paul explains that in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed. This righteousness is not achieved through human effort or adherence to the law, but it is received by faith. This verse ultimately underscores the central theme of the book of Romans, which is the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.