The Theme of Romans
The theme of the letter to the Romans is found in chapter 1, verses 16-17. It reads, “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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,[ a]as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
The first “For” that begins verse 16 explains why Paul was so anxious to come to Rome to preach the gospel. We are told earlier that he longed to impart some spiritual gift. Since he was hindered in coming to them sooner, he did not want them to think that it was unimportant or that what he had to share was of no value. He was an apostle of Jesus Christ, and he had the most powerful message on earth. So, he was not trying to avoid an embarrassing moment because what he had to share with them had its origin in God and the Holy Spirit.
The second “For” in the reading explains why Paul is unashamed of the gospel he is ready to preach. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, and also the Greek. First, the “good news” about his message is that God has provided a powerful solution to the sin problem. Second, the solution/salvation is for “everyone” who believes. Third, salvation is offered to the Jew, first. Then, it is offered to the Gentile. The “law” would go forth from Jerusalem (Zion, Luke 24:47). The apostles were told to tarry in the city of Jerusalem until they be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:47). The day of Pentecost, a Jewish feast day, gave rise to thousands of Jews from all nations to visit Jerusalem. Acts 13:44-47 reads, “The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord. But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said. Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, ‘It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles.’ For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth'” (cf. Eph. 1:12).
The third “For” explains why the gospel is God’s power unto salvation. He tells them that the reason the gospel is God’s power to save is that God’s righteousness is revealed in it. It was revealed from faith unto faith. That is, it originated and arose from “the faith” to produce faith (personal faith). This phrase, “faith unto faith” may also explain “the righteousness of God.” Both phrases suggest an origin and an ending. The gospel reveals the righteousness of God as the originating character of a just God who is not only just but the justifier of him who believes in Christ (Rom. 3:26). Just as the power originates with God and aims toward righteousness for mankind, so faith originates with “the faith” of the gospel and leads to personal faith. God provided the means by which the human race could be declared righteous. Such declaration is dependent on faith. Paul adds, “It is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’ ”
Finally, verse 18 starts out with the final “for”. It reads, “For the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness of men…” On the side of God is righteousness and wrath. The wrath of God is revealed against the unrighteousness of men, while the righteousness of God is revealed from faith unto faith. To avert the wrath of God, we must be declared righteous, which comes by faith. Paul returns to this theme in chapter three after he proves all under sin.