J.A. Matteson
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16). Coming from a Pharisee this was a bomshell statement. Paul was likely responding to a question presented to him by the Jewish Christians in Rome dealing with Greeks who professed faith in Christ upon hearing the gospel. The converted Jews understood salvation was by grace through faith, but many understood salvation to only be available to the Jews. What were they to do with professing Gentiles who responded positively to the gospel? For many Jews to suggest salvation was open to Gentiles was a scandal. Paul responds by boldly stating he was not ashamed of God's plan of salvation. Today in the USA an increasing number have bought the New Age lie that there are many paths to God and find themselves running headlong into Christ who emphatically stated that no one comes to the Father but through Him. To take Jesus' stand today in a pluralistic culture is met as scandal similar to what Paul dealt with in Rome. Nevertheless, may the saints of God stand in the truth of the gospel that alone is able to save.
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