Scriptures for Today
Romans 1:8-17
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 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. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Introduction — The Book of Romans
The book of Romans is one of the clearest, most direct explanations of the gospel in the entire Bible. Paul is writing to believers in Rome, laying out doctrine in a structured and powerful way.
This passage comes right at the beginning, and it sets the tone. Before Paul dives deep into doctrine, he shows his heart for people, his desire to preach, and his complete confidence in the gospel. This is not theory—this is a man who believes what he is preaching.
What Happened Before This? (Romans 1:1-7)
Before this, Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. He immediately centers everything on the gospel.
He also identifies the believers in Rome as called of Jesus Christ and loved of God. That sets the foundation—this letter is written to saved people, and it is going to build them up in truth.
A Faith Known Everywhere
Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Paul starts with thanksgiving. Their faith is not hidden—it is known. People are talking about it, and it has spread far beyond their local area. They are showing their faith.
You should not keep your faith private and silent. When people believe, you should show your faith by the works you do. But faith is what saves. Works do not save. ONLY FAITH IN CHRIST saves.
Serving God in the Gospel
Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Paul serves God “in the gospel of his Son.” That is where his service is centered. Everything he does is tied to the gospel.
He also shows consistency. “Without ceasing” he is praying. This is not occasional—this is constant.
A Desire to Come — God’s Will Matters
Romans 1:10
Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
Paul wants to come to them, but notice he submits it to the will of God. He is not forcing his plans—he is seeking God’s direction. This matches what you see elsewhere.
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Imparting Spiritual Strength
Romans 1:11
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
Paul wants to strengthen them. His goal is not personal gain—it is their stability in the faith.
God’s design is that believers help establish one another.
Mutual Faith — Strength Goes Both Ways
Romans 1:12
That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
This is not one-sided. Paul is not saying he is the only one giving. There is mutual encouragement.
Faith strengthens both ways. Being around other believers builds you up.
Delayed — But Not Stopped
Romans 1:13
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
Paul had tried to come before but was prevented. Being delayed does not mean being wrong.
God sometimes stops or delays plans for His purposes. But Paul’s goal remains—to see fruit.
A Debtor to All
Romans 1:14
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
Paul says he is a debtor. Not financially—but spiritually.
He feels an obligation to preach the gospel to everyone. Not just certain groups. Everyone.
Ready to Preach
Romans 1:15
So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
He is ready. Not hesitant. Not waiting for perfect conditions.
He is willing to preach anywhere—even in Rome, a powerful and hostile place.
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
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.
This is the key verse.
Paul is not ashamed because the gospel is the power of God. Salvation does not come through works, effort, or religion—it comes through the gospel.
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
The world may mock it, but it is still the power of God.
The Gospel Reveals Righteousness
Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The gospel reveals God’s righteousness. Not man’s righteousness.
“From faith to faith” shows that it is all based on faith—not works at any point.
Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
This was always the plan. Salvation has always been by faith.
What Happened Before All of This?
Before this, Paul was called, set apart, and sent to preach the gospel. Now he is writing to believers to strengthen them and prepare them for what is coming.
This sets the foundation for everything that follows in Romans.
Practical Applications
- The gospel spreads when people believe it. When someone believes on Jesus Christ, that truth does not stay isolated—it gets spoken of and reaches others.
- Your service to God should be centered in the gospel. Everything flows from that.
- God’s will matters more than your plans. Be willing to adjust when He directs your steps.
- The gospel is the power of God. You should never be ashamed of it no matter how the world responds.
Conclusion
Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because he knew exactly what it was—the power of God unto salvation.
The world rejects it, mocks it, and tries to replace it. But it has not changed. The question is simple.
Are you ashamed of the gospel—or are you ready to preach it?
Let’s pray.
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