The Gospel Is God’s Power to Bring Salvation to All Who Believe (Romans 1:1-17)

"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. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”" Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)

Context

When Paul wrote this letter, he had not yet been able to visit the church in Rome (Romans 1:13). Watch the historical background video (above) to learn more about the challenges this church faced, and the reasons Paul decided to write to them.

Additionally, today’s section on “observation” will focus on the reading’s repetition of euangelion (translated as “gospel” or “good news”). Understanding the context of this term within the Greco-Roman culture can help us better understand what the Roman readers might have thought as they read Paul’s introduction.

In classical Greek (500-300BC), “gospel” meant “the reward given to the bearer of good news” and eventually came to refer to the “good news” itself. In the Koine period (300BC-AD300), “gospel” became connected to the cult of the Roman emperor, whose birthday, rise to power, or upcoming visit were all announced as euangelion or “good news.”

Observation

At the beginning of his letter to the church in Rome, Paul repeatedly refers to the gospel:

• He identifies himself as a servant of Christ, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (1:1)
• He describes the gospel as:
  1. promised beforehand in the Scriptures; and
  2. about Jesus (1:2-4)
• The gospel of God’s Son is what Paul preaches (1:9)
• Because he is obligated to preach to all Gentiles, Paul is eager to preach the gospel in Rome (1:16)
• Paul is not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (1:16)
• The gospel reveals that God’s righteousness is by faith (1:17)

Interpretation

Paul’s emphasis on the “gospel” in these opening verses suggests that it is the primary theme in his letter to the Roman church. He wants to make his understanding of the “gospel” clear to them, even though he has not yet been able to explain it to them in person.

According to what Paul writes here, what are the key components of the “gospel of God"?

Why do you think Paul begins his letter with this particular theme? Considering the cultural context of the term, what sorts of ideas might it bring to the minds of the Roman readers? How could Paul’s “gospel” impact their lives as inhabitants of the city of Rome, where the emperor also lived?

Application

What comes first to mind when you think about the “gospel”? In this letter (especially Romans 1-11), Paul will explain what comes first to his mind. Then (in Romans 12-16), he will explain how a believer’s life should reflect this thinking.

“The renewing of the mind” is foundational for personal transformation (Romans 12:2). As you go through this study of Romans, pay attention to the ways that the “gospel” Paul presents exposes areas of your mind that need renewing. Also, consider how the renewal of your mind in these areas could impact the way you live.