Study of Romans

Confidence

Paul starts these passages with a very powerful statement - “I am not ashamed...”;

But what does this mean and even more so how does it apply to us - not ashamed implies a great confidence in the subject matter, here specifically the gospel;

Paul talked about, walked it, and shared it - he was an example of the gospel;

But why was he so confident - he knew deep in his heart it would not fail;

Now because this confidence (faith) he understood God would not disappoint him.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 5

The Greek word used here, kataischynō, comes from the ancient Greek translation of the OT (the Septuagint), where it means “to suffer shame [when judged]” (e.g., Pss 22:5; Isa 28:16; Rom 9:33).

Power

Paul was an eye witness to Christ’s power in people and himself;

He watched as Stephen was stoned to death and how Stephen was more focused on Jesus and his going to Him (Acts 7);

Paul had a personal experience with Jesus on the road to Damascus and was able to see His glory (Acts 9);

The gospels have the power to reveal sin while simultaneously revealing the source of forgiveness (salvation) which is through Jesus Christ;

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1

The Greek word used here, dynamis, often refers to miraculous works (e.g., Matt 7:22; 11:20; Mark 6:2). Here, it refers to God’s ability to deliver His people from sin and future judgment (compare Exod 9:16; Rom 8:2–3; 1 Cor 1:18; note on 2 Tim 3:5). God’s power also relates to the power of the Holy Spirit (see Rom 1:4).

Salvation

God has offered salvation (forgiveness) for everyone’s sinful actions in life;

God makes salvation available through His Son - the perfect and final sacrifice for sin - so that people will not be eternally separated from Him;

God offers this by grace (Romans 3:28) to all who will call out to His Son;

Paul references salvation being for the Jews first - His chosen people - but then shares it is for all people (Greeks/Gentiles).

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1

The Greek word used here, sōtēria, refers to deliverance from the final judgment. It also might refer to deliverance from sin and the results of sin: death and alienation from God.

Rightousness

This word is a key component to Roman’s and the other letters written by Paul;

There a couple of thoughts about what he meant about this word;

It could refer to our right status or standing with God that is granted to us by our faith in Jesus Christ;

It also could refer to God’s own righteousness and His saving power;

It could refer to a combination our righteousness comes through God by way of salvation;

Paul quotes a portion of Habakkuk 2:4 support that faith is the only way to righteousness before God - that righteousness flows through Jesus Christ.