For I am not ashamed of the Good News, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who trusts—to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16, TLV
Not Ashamed. The Roman believers began “independently” of the emissaries from Jerusalem. Prior to the new congregation of Roman believers, there was a significant Jewish community living in Rome. Perhaps, as we discussed earlier, there were those who returned from the best Shavuot (Pentecost) the Jewish people had ever attended in Jerusalem, as changed people.
Just maybe — and I believe most likely — these excited souls heard Peter’s message (Acts 2) and returned as “unofficial emissaries.” They shared with their Roman friends, their Jewish friends, and family. The Messiah came! For the Jew and the Gentile!
So, Paul’s letter to the Romans is different. It covers a broad scope of teaching that both digs deeper into the “mystery” — that the set time had come for the nations to be redeemed — and gives practical insights into living a Biblical life. Especially for the non-Jewish believers, because, well, they grew up with some pretty strange and scary pagan rituals and beliefs.
“His invisible attributes—His eternal power and His divine nature—have been clearly seen ever since the creation of the world, being understood through the things that have been made. So people are without excuse—” (vs. 20)
To Paul, God’s presence was everywhere. Clearly visible in creation. But, let’s face it, to someone who worshipped statues, it wasn’t obvious. That meant Paul had to start from scratch with the non-Jewish souls.
Today’s verse is basic, and a lesson for us all. The Good News message that Father God loved us so much, He sent His Son to die for us (John 3:16). To atone for our sins (Hebrews 2:17). Now, we can be His redeemed children. Children of the King of the Universe.
But because we live in an unredeemed world who won’t acknowledge their King and their Prince, we have our work cut out for us. It begins with being proud of the Gospel — Jewish and Gentile souls alike — and live in the joy and peace that is our reality. Not too shabby.
