Chapter summary
Romans 1 Summary
Romans 1 launches Paul's gospel exposition: he is unashamed of it because in it 'the righteousness of God is revealed' — and the rest of the chapter exposes humanity's deep need of that gospel.
Paul greets the Roman church, longs to be with them, and states his thesis: the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. In it God reveals his righteousness for those who, like Habakkuk says, 'live by faith.'
He then traces how humanity, knowing God from creation, has refused to glorify him and exchanged his truth for lies. The result is a darkening of hearts and a wide range of sin. Romans 1 sets up the need; the gospel will be the answer.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” Romans 1:17 “For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.””
Original BibleDawn summary. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.