New Testament

Romans 1:16

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Romans 1:16, Paul expresses his confidence in the gospel of Christ, stating that he is not ashamed of it.

Author
Paul the apostle
Written
Around AD 57
Genre
Letter (epistle)
Original Audience
Christians in Rome
CBTClear Bible Translation

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes — to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Romans 1:16, Paul expresses his confidence in the gospel of Christ, stating that he is not ashamed of it. The gospel is described as the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes, emphasizing that it is available to all people, starting with the Jews and extending to the Greeks (Gentiles). This verse highlights the universal nature of the gospel, indicating that faith in Christ is the key to salvation for all, regardless of their background. Paul’s boldness in proclaiming the gospel reflects his deep conviction about its transformative power. He understands that the message of Christ is not just a religious idea but a divine force that can change lives. By stating he is not ashamed, Paul encourages believers to share their faith openly and confidently, knowing that it is the means through which God saves people. This verse sets the tone for the entire letter, emphasizing the importance of faith and the inclusivity of the gospel message.

How to apply Romans 1:16 to your life

As believers, we should embrace and share the gospel without shame. Understanding its power to save can motivate us to speak about our faith with confidence. We can reach out to others, regardless of their background, knowing that the message of Christ is for everyone.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 1:16 mean?

Romans 1:16 means that Paul is proud of the gospel of Christ because it is God's power that brings salvation to everyone who believes, starting with the Jews and extending to the Gentiles.

What is the significance of the gospel in Romans 1:16?

The gospel is significant in Romans 1:16 as it represents the means by which God saves people, highlighting its universal availability to all who have faith.

Who does Romans 1:16 say can be saved?

Romans 1:16 states that salvation is available to everyone who believes, emphasizing that it is for both Jews and Greeks, or Gentiles.

What themes are present in Romans 1:16?

Key themes in Romans 1:16 include the power of the gospel, salvation through faith, inclusivity of the message, and the boldness required to share it.

The Book of Romans
Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

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