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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστοῦ·,
of Christ
G5547
Χριστοῦ·,
of Christ
Strong's:
G5547
Word #:
7 of 21
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
δύναμις
the power
G1411
δύναμις
the power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
8 of 21
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύοντι
that believeth
G4100
πιστεύοντι
that believeth
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
16 of 21
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
Cross References
Mark 8:38Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.2 Timothy 1:8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;1 Peter 4:16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.Luke 9:26For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.1 Corinthians 2:4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:Romans 10:17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.1 Corinthians 2:2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Historical Context
To preach Christ crucified in Rome was to proclaim a convicted criminal as Lord, subverting Roman authority and inviting persecution. Crucifixion was shameful, reserved for slaves and rebels. Yet Paul glories in the cross (Galatians 6:14). The gospel's 'foolishness' and 'weakness' in human estimation is God's wisdom and power (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). Early Christians were mocked as atheists (for rejecting pagan gods), cannibals (misunderstanding the Eucharist), and insurrectionists (for confessing 'Jesus is Lord' not 'Caesar is Lord').
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you tempted to be 'ashamed' (ἐπαισχύνομαι) of the gospel—embarrassed by its exclusivity, supernatural claims, or moral demands?
- How does understanding the gospel as 'power of God' (δύναμις θεοῦ) rather than good advice or moral example change your evangelism?
- What does 'to the Jew first' mean for contemporary Christian witness and missions strategy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
Paul's declaration ou gar epaischunomai to euangelion (οὐ γὰρ ἐπαισχύνομαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, 'for I am not ashamed of the gospel') uses litotes—understatement expressing strong positive conviction. In Greco-Roman culture prizing rhetoric, philosophy, and social status, proclaiming a crucified Jewish messiah invited ridicule (1 Corinthians 1:23). Yet Paul boldly affirms the gospel because dunamis gar theou estin eis sōtērian panti tō pisteuonti (δύναμις γὰρ θεοῦ ἐστιν εἰς σωτηρίαν παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι, 'it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes').
Dunamis theou (δύναμις θεοῦ, power of God) is not merely information but divine energy accomplishing salvation. Sōtērian (σωτηρία, salvation) encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification—rescue from sin's penalty, power, and presence. The universal scope panti tō pisteuonti (to everyone who believes) breaks ethnic and social barriers. Yet historical priority remains: Ioudaiō te prōton kai Hellēni (Ἰουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι, 'to Jew first and also to Greek'). Israel's historical privilege as recipients of God's oracles (Romans 3:1-2) and the lineage of Messiah grants them temporal priority, but salvation is equally available to Gentiles through faith alone.