"For I not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteousness man shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17 Within these two verses we find the theme of the entire book.
Verse 17 clearly indicates that the state of righteousness is the state of being in "right relation" with God. The passages prior to the familiar verse 16 describe Paul's passion to come to the beleivers, impart spiritual gifts to them, and be encouraged by their faith. As impoprtant as these things were to Paul, he specifically states that he was prevented in coming to them.
So here is the big question, "What prevented Paul?" The answer is found in verses 14 and 15. Now remember, verse 16 is central to the entire book of Romans. The two verses leading up to the profound "I am not ashamed" statement reveal the driving motivation of Paul's life.
How many believers feel a strong sense of "obligation" (the word Paul uses) to share the Gospel with the unreached. Verse 14 says, "I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the follish." Paul was eager (an understatement) to share the Gospel.
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