What does it mean to not be ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16)?

Response

In Romans 1, Paul addresses the Gentile believers in Rome and starts by explaining his mission, which was to preach the gospel to all. He concludes by stating, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, as it is the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that comes by faith from beginning to end, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1:16-17;cf: Habakkuk 2:4).

The term translated as “ashamed” means “disgraced” or “personally humiliated.” A person feeling “ashamed” in this manner is like someone who has been singled out for misplacing their confidence—they trusted in something, and that something disappointed them. It can also refer to being dishonored due to forming wrong alliances. Therefore, when Paul declares that he is not ashamed of the gospel, he is affirming that his confidence in the gospel is well-placed. There is no disgrace in proclaiming it. Paul had dedicated his life to sharing the truths revealed to him by Jesus Himself (Acts 9:3-6;2 Corinthians 12:2-4). He explained to the Romans why he was convinced that he had not misidentified with Jesus and why spreading Jesus’ message was his life’s purpose.

This principle can also apply to us. Just as Paul trusted in the gospel of Christ, so can we. We can boldly proclaim the truths that God has revealed in His Word, without any fear that our confidence is misplaced. “Anyone who believes”Those who believe in him will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11; cf: Isaiah 28:16). We can find comfort in the fact that the Holy Spirit, who inspired the writing of Scripture, is unchanging (2 Peter 1:21; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). What was true centuries ago remains true today. The opportunity for salvation that was offered to people in the first century is still available to us (Acts 2:39; John 17:20).

Living unashamed of the gospel involves not only proclaiming it but also applying its principles to our lives and demonstrating our faith through actions. Paul’s life choices aligned with his message; he practiced what he preached. We demonstrate being “ashamed of the gospel” when we allow sin to persist unchecked in our lives, as stated in Matthew 3:8. By indulging in worldly desires, disobeying scriptural standards, or conforming to worldly ways, we reveal a lack of confidence in the message we proclaim (1 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Peter 2:11). When we engage in ungodly counsel, follow the ways of sinners, or join in mocking others, as mentioned in Psalm 1:1, we are demonstrating shame regarding the gospel. By not allowing its truth to impact our lives visibly, we fail to showcase its transformative power to others. Living unashamed of the gospel requires us, like Paul, to let it shape our lives so profoundly that everyone around us can see its influence.”

It is evident that we have been in the company of Jesus. «Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. », (Acts 4:13).