Friday 30 December 2022
- Bible Book:
- Romans
'For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.' (v. 16)
Background
Romans was written by Paul for a church that he had neither founded, nor visited. It is a daring introduction: Rome was at the heart of the political and military reign of Caesar.
Paul begins by introducing himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and continues his introduction in verse 7, saying he is addressing all in Rome who love God.
In verses 2-6 Paul outlines the gospel, saying it's not a human invention, but foreseen in Scripture. The promised true king has been sent: it is God’s own son, Jesus Christ. The gospel is a person and the good news is for all, including the Gentiles (non-Jews).
In verses 8-15 Paul thanks God that there is a community of faith in Rome, living under Caesar’s nose, who give allegiance to Jesus Christ. This faith community share a vision of a different kingdom, a different hope, and a different faith from that of Caesar. In verse 14 Paul refers to the Greeks, meaning Gentiles (Greek-speaking). In contrast to Caesar’s political and military power, the gospel is the ‘power of God for salvation’. In verses 16-17 the word ‘faith’ is mentioned four times: God’s salvation comes to everyone who has ‘faith.’ It is revealed through ‘faith’, for ‘faith’ and for those who will live by ‘faith.’
To Ponder:
- Many people today make up their own system of belief. In what ways do you find it helpful, or unhelpful to have the traditions of faith handed down to you?
- What difference does it make to see a person, rather than a set of beliefs at the heart of the gospel?
- What does ‘living by faith’ mean to you?
- What are the tensions for you of simultaneously living in an earthly kingdom and a Godly kingdom?
Prayer
Loving God, thank you that for showing us your ‘face’ in Jesus Christ. Thank you for giving us not a set of abstract ideas, but a person to follow, who is with us always. Amen.