Romans 1: Unashamed of the Gospel

Sample Bible study. Read Romans 1 in full before beginning.

Before you begin

Romans opens with good news before it confronts our need. Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to proclaim a gospel promised in the Scriptures. Its center is a person: Jesus, descended from David and declared to be the Son of God in power through the resurrection.

Read the chapter slowly. Notice how Paul moves from his calling, to his affection for the Roman believers, to the gospel, and then to humanity’s refusal to honor God. His argument continues beyond this chapter; do not separate Romans 1 from the wider letter.

A faith that encourages others

In verses 8–15, Paul thanks God for the believers and longs to visit them. He expects encouragement to flow both ways. Even an apostle speaks of being strengthened through the faith of others.

Christian growth is not merely private progress. We receive encouragement and offer it. A conversation, a prayer, or a patient act of service can become a way of helping another person persevere.

• Notice whom Paul thanks: God.
• Notice what he desires: mutual encouragement.
• Notice his readiness: to share the gospel in Rome.

The power of the gospel

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Paul’s confidence rests in God’s action. The gospel does more than offer a moral improvement plan. It announces salvation through Jesus Christ and calls for a response of faith. Verse 17 connects this good news to the righteousness of God and the life of faith.

Being unashamed does not require being loud or combative. It can mean speaking truth gently, admitting our dependence on grace, and refusing to hide the hope on which we rely.

The danger of misplaced worship

Verses 18–32 describe a tragic exchange: people turn from the Creator toward created things. A refusal to give thanks is woven into that account. The passage asks searching questions about what receives our trust, attention, and loyalty.

Read with humility. Paul’s argument turns toward the person who judges others in Romans 2 and develops the universal need for grace in Romans 3. This chapter is not permission to feel morally superior. It invites us to recognize our need for God’s mercy.

Reflection and practical application

This week, try three small practices:

1. Give thanks deliberately. Name three gifts from God before asking for something new.
2. Encourage someone. Share one way their faith has strengthened yours.
3. Speak with gentleness. Prepare a simple, honest explanation of why the gospel gives you hope.

Return to Romans 1:16–17 at the end of the week. Ask where you trusted your own strength and where you learned to depend on God.

Grow together

Discussion questions

1. What does Paul’s introduction reveal about the source and purpose of his calling?
2. Where are you tempted to treat the gospel as advice rather than God’s saving power?
3. What would grateful trust look like in one ordinary decision this week?