Not Ashamed Of The Gospel

Paul here enters upon a large discourse of justification, in the latter part of this chapter laying down his thesis, and, in order to the proof of it, describing the deplorable condition of the Gentile world. His transition is very handsome, and like an orator: he was ready to preach the gospel at Rome, though a place where the gospel was run down by those that called themselves the wits for, saith he, I am not ashamed of it. There is a great deal in the gospel which such a man as Paul might be tempted to be ashamed of, especially that he whose gospel it is was a man hanged upon a tree, that the doctrine of it was plain, had little in it to set it off among scholars, the professors of it were mean and despised, and every where spoken against yet Paul was not ashamed to own it. I reckon him a Christian indeed that is neither ashamed of the gospel nor a shame to it. The reason of this bold profession, taken from the nature and excellency of the gospel, introduces his dissertation.

The proposition, Romans 1:16,17. The excellency of the gospel lies in this, that it reveals to us,

The salvation of believers as the end: It is the power of God unto salvation. Paul is not ashamed of the gospel, how mean and contemptible soever it may appear to a carnal eye for the power of God works by it the salvation of all that believe it shows us the way of salvation (Acts 16:17), and is the great charter by which salvation is conveyed and made over to us. But, It is through the power of God without that power the gospel is but a dead letter the revelation of the gospel is the revelation of the arm of the Lord (Isaiah 53:1), as power went along with the word of Christ to heal diseases.

It is to those, and those only, that believe. Believing interests us in the gospel salvation to others it is hidden. The medicine prepared will not cure the patient if it be not taken.--To the Jew first. The lost sheep of the house of Israel had the first offer made them, both by Christ and his apostles. You first (Acts 3:26), but upon their refusal the apostles turned to the Gentiles, Acts 13:46. Jews and Gentiles now stand upon the same level, both equally miserable without a Saviour, and both equally welcome to the Saviour, Colossians 3:11. Such doctrine as this was surprising to the Jews, who had hitherto been the peculiar people, and had looked with scorn upon the Gentile world but the long-expected Messiah proves a light to enlighten the Gentiles, as well as the glory of his people Israel. - Matthew Henry