Bible Study: The gospel is the power of God for salvation
Romans 1:1-17
Click here to read the passage, Romans 1:1-17.
The gospel is the power of God for salvation
Main Idea
Paul introduces the gospel as God’s promised message centered on Jesus Christ — God’s power to save everyone who believes, both Jew and Gentile.
Summary
Paul opens his letter by identifying himself as a servant and apostle set apart for the gospel. He emphasizes that this gospel was promised through the prophets, fulfilled in Jesus — both Son of David and Son of God — and is for all nations.
Paul expresses his desire to visit the believers in Rome to encourage and be encouraged.
The passage culminates with a bold declaration: the gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe, revealing the righteousness of God from faith to faith.
Paul, the former persecutor or the church, is not writing as a cold academic but as one who has experienced the life-changing power of God’s good news.
Paul had been a Christian preacher for about 20 years when he wrote Romans. He wrote it during a three-month stay in Corinth, with the help of his scribe Tertius.
Ed’s Comments
Paul wastes no time in this 7,100-word letter getting to his theme (the gospel) and his thesis (which is in Verses 16-17).
As is common for me, I wanted to race through the salutation and immediately get to the meat in Verses 16-17.
But as is common for God’s Word, even the parts that look “unimportant” have great meaning.
Romans 1:1-7
Let’s take a brief look at the first seven verses, which is a single sentence, 138 words long.
The gospel is God’s good news (1:1): From Baptist pastor Tony Merida: “It is the ‘gospel of God’ — that is, God’s own good news. It is from God and reveals the nature and work of God. The word euangelion (‘gospel’ or ‘good news’) was a common term used in emperor worship during Paul’s day. Good events related to the emperor were declared as good news for the people. Paul wants to be clear what good news he is talking about. It is God’s good news for the world concerning his Son, Jesus.”
Promised in the Old Testament (1:2): The Old Testament is the foundation for the gospel. The scriptures are like a treasure map that leads to Jesus, the promised Messiah. The first gospel promise appears in Genesis 3:15, where God promises that the Messiah will crush the head of the serpent.
Centered on Jesus (1:3-4): The Bible is from God and about Jesus. The good news is about what Christ has done for sinners. If someone asks, “What’s the gospel about?” you can answer, “It’s about Jesus.”
Designed to bring all people to the obedience of faith for the sake of Christ’s name (1:5): The ultimate goal of the gospel is “for the sake of his name.” The goal is that Jesus would be honored and praised as he deserves.
Transforming everyone who believes (1:6-7): The gospel is not only for the Jews. It also is for the Gentiles — and the Romans. And the gospel radically transforms those who believe.
Romans 1:8-15
In these verses we read of Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer report concerning his planned visit to Rome, a visit he is eager to make because he longs to preach the gospel there and share in the saints’ fellowship.
Paul gives the Romans a look into his heart and life. We learn about his prayer life, his love for the church, and his obligation to world evangelism.
Paul’s reference to “God’s will” (v. 10) shows how he trusts God’s sovereign plans. He expresses his desire and then leaves it to God.
I’m sure Paul’s eventual journey to Rome didn’t go at all like he hoped. This letter reached the Christians at Rome about three years before he got there.
He would eventually make it to Rome but only after being mobbed, arrested, imprisoned, and having survived a shipwreck! Moreover, he entered Rome as a prisoner. We too never know what awaits us.
Key Takeaways
Paul’s Identity: A servant and messenger of Christ, devoted to the gospel.
The Gospel’s Origin: Promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Christ.
Universal Scope: For all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike.
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith: Justification and life come through faith.
Power of God: The gospel isn’t advice — it’s power to save.
Quotes
N.T. Wright (Anglican pastor): “Paul’s announcement is not just about personal salvation but about the launching of God’s kingdom.”
John MacArthur (non-denominational pastor): “Paul wastes no time establishing the authority of the gospel — rooted in Scripture, revealed in Christ, and extended to the nations.”
Douglas Moo (New Testament scholar): “These opening verses serve as a theological overture to the symphony of Romans. The gospel is God’s action in history centered in Jesus.”
F.F. Bruce (20th century Scottish biblical scholar): “Paul’s longing to visit Rome shows his pastoral heart. He doesn’t merely want to preach, but to encourage and be encouraged.”
R.C. Sproul (Presbyterian pastor who died in 2017): “Verse 17 lit the fire of the Reformation. It shows that God’s righteousness is a gift, not a demand.”
Questions
Which key takeaway sticks out to you and why?
Which quote sticks out to you and why?
Why is it significant that Paul summarizes the gospel using the Old Testament as a foundation?
What does Paul say about Jesus’ identity in verses 3–4? Why is both his humanity and divinity important?
What does Romans 1:8–15 teach us about our relationships to one another in the body of Christ?
How would you define “the power of God for salvation”? (v. 16)
Verse 17 says “The righteous shall live by faith.” What does that look like practically?
Why might someone be ashamed of the gospel today?