Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first… The solitary grandeur of the imperial city; Paul's knowledge of Rome's own and its borrowed glories, as a centre of power; his courage in meeting the contemptuous estimate which ancient society passed upon the truth of God. I. SOME ELEMENTS OF POWER IN THE GOSPEL. 1. Great in — (1) Motives. (2) Penalties. (3) Sacrifices. (4) Inspirations. 2. These forces Paul had seen exerted on individuals and on communities. They were — (1) Moral forces. (2) Universal. (3) Permanent. II. HAVING SEEN AND FELT THESE BENEFICENT INFLUENCES, PAUL GLORIED IN THE SAME. We urge — 1. Paul's interpretation of the gospel is vital in its power. The doctrines of sin, atonement, the Holy Spirit and eternal retribution, cannot be eliminated and any power remain. A glass crowbar could as well tunnel the Alps. 2. That each of us trust the gospel as heartily as did Paul. Exemplify its power here, and enjoy its fruition in the perfect felicity of heaven. (R. S. Storrs, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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