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 1:16KJVWhat does Romans 1:16 mean?
Romans 1:16 says that Paul is not embarrassed or hesitant about sharing the message of Jesus Christ, because this message is how God brings salvation to everyone who trusts in it—first to Jewish people, and then to non-Jews (called "Greeks" here). The verse emphasizes that the gospel is powerful and available to all who believe, regardless of their background.
Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining why he is eager to preach the gospel there. In the larger context, Paul is introducing his main theme: the good news about Jesus is for everyone, not just one group. By mentioning both Jews and Greeks, Paul shows that the gospel crosses cultural and ethnic boundaries.
The Greek behind Romans 1:16
- εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, "gospel"): This word means "good news" or "glad tidings." In Paul's context, it refers specifically to the message about Jesus Christ and what God has done through him.
- δύναμις (dynamis, "power"): This word is often understood as active, effective power—not just potential, but real ability to accomplish something. Paul is saying the gospel actually brings about salvation, not just talks about it.
- σωτηρία (sōtēria, "salvation"): This word means rescue, deliverance, or being made safe. Here, it points to being saved from sin and its consequences, and brought into a right relationship with God.
- πᾶς (pas, "every one"): The Greek word for "everyone" highlights the universal offer of salvation—no one is excluded from this invitation if they believe.
Why Romans 1:16 matters
- Romans 1:16 makes clear that the gospel is not limited to one nation or group; it is for everyone who believes, which was a radical idea in Paul's time.
- The verse highlights that the gospel is not just a message, but the very means by which God acts to save people, stressing its real, life-changing power.
- By saying "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek," Paul connects the gospel to God's promises to Israel while also opening the door to all nations, setting up the rest of his letter's argument about faith and inclusion.