1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel. Although the gospel is folly to the cultured, Paul sees his message as divine wisdom (1 Cor. 1:22–25, 30), and is not embarrassed by God’s way of salvation. See “Salvation” at 2 Cor. 6:5.

power. The regenerating, life-changing impact of the gospel word through the Holy Spirit is essential because of humanity’s bondage to sin and Satan, and weakness and spiritual inability on account of sin (5:6; 8:5–9).

believes. Salvation is unmerited, but it is not universally enjoyed; faith is required for it.

to the Jew first. While this was true in terms of the history of redemption (2:9, 10; John 4:22; cf. Mark 7:24–30), it was also the pattern of Paul’s missionary outreach. Hence, in visiting the cities of the Roman world he began by expounding Scripture in the synagogues where possible, and he preached Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises (Acts 9:20; 13:5, 14; 14:1; 17:1, 17; 18:4, 19, 26; 19:8). Throughout Romans, Paul is careful not to deny the validity of the God-given privileges of His own people (3:11, 12; 9:4, 5).