Paul’s letter to the Romans is arguably his most thorough and systematic explanation of the gospel message. In the opening verses, he lays out one of the key themes that will shape the rest of the letter: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16).
At first glance, this may not seem like a monumental statement. But when we consider the context, we see that Paul was making a bold and countercultural claim. Here are a few reasons Paul insists that he is “not ashamed of the gospel”:
1. The gospel was foolishness to the Greeks
In places like Athens and Corinth, ideas were prized above all else. Novel philosophies and worldviews were constantly debated in the public square. The gospel, with its focus on a crucified Jewish Messiah, seemed absurd to many Greek intellectuals (1 Cor 1:18-25). It was easy to be intimidated and shy away from sharing something so countercultural. But Paul determined not to be ashamed.
2. The gospel was a stumbling block to the Jews
The Jewish people were looking for a political liberator – someone who would free them from Roman oppression. The idea of the Messiah being crucified was unthinkable (1 Cor 1:23). Not only that, but Paul’s gospel extended salvation beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles, which was controversial and offensive to some. Despite resistance among some Jewish communities, Paul refused to water down or compromise the gospel.
3. The gospel demanded humility
The Greco-Roman world was extremely hierarchical. Pride and the pursuit of honor were among the highest virtues. The gospel stood in stark contrast to this value system. Jesus demonstrated humility by laying down his rights and dying on a cross (Phil 2:5-11). Those who followed Christ were called to walk in the same spirit of humility and service, rather than seeking honor and prestige. This countercultural orientation required a deep sense of conviction.
4. The gospel required radical transformation
Many in Paul’s day adhered to various philosophies loosely, incorporating parts here and there into their existing lifestyles. By contrast, the gospel called for a total life transformation and reorientation. Paul speaks of believers being united with Christ in his death and resurrection (Rom 6:1-14). This dying to an old way of life in order to walk in newness of life would have seemed extreme in certain circles. Paul embraced this call to radical change without wavering.
5. The gospel demanded costly sacrifice
To follow Jesus faithfully in the 1st century (and throughout history) often resulted in ostracism, persecution, and even martyrdom. Paul himself suffered greatly for the sake of the gospel (2 Cor 11:16-33). It would have been much more comfortable and safe to keep quiet. But Paul would not do so, regardless of the personal cost.
So when Paul declared his lack of shame in the gospel, it represented a firm commitment to preach Christ crucified despite its unpopularity across cultural lines. Paul was prepared to be mocked, misunderstood, rejected, and persecuted for the message of the cross. Why? Because he was convinced the gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe.
What does “not ashamed” mean for believers today?
While we may not face the exact same cultural circumstances, Paul’s words are still extremely relevant. Here are some ways we can apply his admonition today:
1. Don’t water down hard truths
The gospel can be uncomfortable at times. It confronts our sinfulness and calls us to die to self. But smoothing over the hard edges dilutes the power of the gospel. We should present it boldly and authentically.
2. Don’t compromise with the culture out of fear
It’s tempting to downplay parts of the gospel that don’t align with cultural norms on sexuality, gender, ethics, etc. But like Paul, we must not cave to pressure from society when it contradicts God’s Word.
3. Be willing to sacrifice comfort and reputation
Following Jesus can often put us at odds with the world and even family or friends. This will frequently require sacrificing our own desires or acceptance. But the gospel is worth any cost.
4. Recognize the power and wisdom of God
The gospel seems foolish and ineffective by worldly metrics. But we can have confidence in its power to save and transform lives. God’s ways surpass all human understanding.
5. Have compassion for those who reject the gospel
Like Paul, we should avoid prideful or hostile attitudes toward those who mock or persecute us (2 Tim 2:24-26). As we graciously share truth, the Spirit can change hearts and minds.
Key truths of the gospel
To not be ashamed of the gospel, we need to have confidence in its central message. Here are some key truths:
Sin
All people have sinned and fall short of God’s perfect standard (Rom 3:23). Our attempts at righteousness are like filthy rags before a holy God (Isa 64:6). We are justly condemned and separated from God because of our sin.
Jesus Christ
Jesus is the eternally existent Son of God who became man. He lived the sinless life we could not live and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (Rom 5:8). His sacrifice is the only provision God has made for our salvation (John 14:6).
Resurrection
Christ rose physically from the grave, conquering sin and death forever. His resurrection gives us hope of new life both now and for eternity. Those who are united to him by faith will also experience resurrection (1 Cor 15).
Salvation by grace
We cannot earn salvation through good works or moral effort. It is the gracious gift of God received by repentance and faith in Christ (Eph 2:8-9). When we turn from sin and trust in the finished work of Christ, we are forgiven, justified, and reborn by the Spirit.
Lordship
Those who receive salvation submit to Christ as the Lord over every area of life. We joyfully surrender our own rights and interests to follow his will and ways (Luke 9:23). Our lives are no longer our own.
New life
All who are in Christ become new creations (2 Cor 5:17). The Spirit empowers us to grow in godliness and good works. Though not perfect in this life, we are being sanctified into the image of Jesus.
Mission
The church continues Christ’s mission of making the gospel known to all nations (Matt 28:19-20). We are ambassadors, pleading with the lost to be reconciled to God through faith (2 Cor 5:20). The Spirit empowers our witness.
Return of Christ
Jesus will one day return bodily to judge the world and consummate his kingdom (Acts 1:11). Believers will enjoy resurrected life in a new heaven and new earth. Those who reject Christ will suffer eternal separation from God.
This is the life-changing message Paul proclaimed without shame or compromise. When we grasp the power of the gospel, we cannot help but share it courageously in a world that desperately needs to hear.
Paul’s example of boldness
Throughout his letters, Paul gives us many examples of preaching the gospel boldly, even when it provoked strong opposition:
Preaching in the synagogues
From the earliest days of his ministry, “Paul went into the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8). Some Jewish leaders stirred up persecution against him.
Debating the intellectuals
While in Athens, Paul engaged in vigorous debate with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in the Areopagus, presenting the truth of Jesus and the resurrection (Acts 17:16-34). Many scoffed, though some believed.
Counter-cultural ethics
Paul taught radical sexual ethics that contradicted Roman cultural norms, prohibiting porneia (any sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and woman). He unapologetically labeled immoral lifestyles as contrary to the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19; Eph 5:3-5).
Handling persecution
Paul endured tremendous hardship for preaching the gospel. He was stoned, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and ultimately executed (2 Cor 11:23-28). Despite intense opposition, he never wavered in his commitment to spread the message of Christ.
Countering false teaching
Paul aggressively confronted those distorting the true gospel. In his letter to the Galatians, he pronounces a curse on anyone proclaiming a different gospel, even if it were an angel from heaven (Gal 1:6-9). He would not stand idly by while truth was compromised.
Urging faithfulness
Paul constantly exhorted believers to continue in the faith, even when tempted to drift back into dead religion or old habits (Col 2:6-7). He encouraged them to stand firm in grace, continuing to grow in Christlikeness.
How the gospel transforms
Paul understood firsthand how life-changing an encounter with Christ can be. His radical transformation from persecutor to missionary is proof of the gospel’s power. By looking at some of the many others impacted by the gospel, we gain more perspective on why Paul was so passionate:
Lydia
The Lord opened Lydia’s heart as Paul preached the gospel, leading to her conversion and baptism (Acts 16:14-15). Her hospitality blessed many in the early church.
Slave girl in Philippi
When Paul cast out a spirit of divination from a slave girl, her exploitative masters were angry. But surely being freed from this spirit brought great joy to the girl herself (Acts 16:16-24).
Jailer in Philippi
After an earthquake opened the prison doors, the frightened jailer asked Paul how he might be saved. Paul shared the gospel, leading to the salvation of the jailer’s whole household (Acts 16:25-34).
Crispus
Crispus, the leader of the synagogue in Corinth, came to faith in Jesus along with his entire household (Acts 18:8).
Members of Caesar’s household
Some from the household of Caesar himself became believers through Paul’s imprisonment in Rome (Phil 4:22). The gospel reached even to the highest echelons of society.
Runaway slave Onesimus
Paul led Onesimus to faith in Christ and then reconciled him to his master Philemon. This relationship dynamic was radically changed by the gospel (Philemon 1:10-21).
God used Paul’s ministry to bring sweeping spiritual transformation at every level of society. From intellectuals to slaves, rich to poor, religious leaders to pagans, the gospel proved powerful to save all who believed.
Ways believers can proclaim the gospel without shame today
In the modern world, it’s easy to feel intimidated sharing the gospel. Persecution in many contexts is subtler yet still significant. Here are some key ways we can honor Paul’s example:
Pray for boldness
We need regular prayer to be reminded this battle belongs to the Lord. Pray for courage, divine appointments, listening ears, and barriers to the gospel to be torn down.
Look for open doors
Ask God to show you opportunities in everyday life to have spiritual conversations – with neighbors, co-workers, classmates, teammates, etc. Be sensitive to divine nudges.
Leverage social media
Post about your faith, share links to gospel resources, interact with skeptics, and reach across typical social boundaries on various platforms. Be winsome and gracious.
Invite others to church
Keep church service times handy to easily extend invitations. Follow up to see if they would like to go again. Offer to walk first-timers through what to expect.
Share your testimony
Writing out how God has worked in your life can help solidify your confidence in the gospel. Be ready to share highlights of your spiritual journey.
Exhibit grace under pressure
When faced with opposition or criticism regarding your faith, respond in love rather than anger. Kindness in conflict can speak volumes.
Support global missions
Partner with missionaries through prayer and giving. Consider overseas short-term trips or longer-term service. The gospel is advancing worldwide.
Stand for biblical values
Don’t compromise on ethical issues where Scripture speaks clearly. Loving others does not mean staying silent. Speak truth with gentleness and respect.
As ordinary believers, we may not have the same spheres of overt influence as apostles like Paul. But the gospel has lost none of its power. God can use us to fan the flame of faith wherever He has placed us.
Paul’s legacy of boldness
Paul finished his race with this poignant reflection: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7). He exemplified what it means to proclaim the gospel unashamed to the very end.
Paul’s unwavering confidence and passion inspired generations of Christians throughout church history to follow his example:
Augustine
The famous theologian and bishop was deeply influenced by Paul’s writings, shaping his understanding of original sin, grace, and the church.
Martin Luther
Luther’s grasp of justification by faith came from intensive study of Romans and Galatians. This fueled his zeal to confront corrupt theology.
John Calvin
Calvin leaned heavily on Paul’s epistles to articulate the doctrines of election and predestination that were central to Reformed theology.
John Wesley
Wesley’s emphasis on sanctification and pursuit of holiness built upon the moral vision cast by Paul for believers’ ongoing growth.
William Wilberforce
Wilberforce’s tireless advocacy to abolish slavery in England was driven by his Christian faith modeled after Paul’s unwavering convictions.
Billy Graham
Graham patterned his evangelistic preaching approach after Paul’s letters, calling all to repent and receive new life in Christ.
This “chain of fire,” as John Chrysostom described it, continues down through church history as more recent leaders have carried the torch of bold gospel witness. The ripple effects of Paul’s ministry continue to shape eternity.
So in response to Paul’s declaration “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” may we too embrace this calling afresh in our generation. Empowered by the Spirit, ordinary believers can faithfully proclaim Christ to an unsaved world, participating in the revolution of redemption begun long ago on the road to Damascus.
