Steven E. Runge, High Definition Commentary: Romans (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014), 21.

Romans 1:16–17

Anyone who has tried to outline the book of Romans knows it is notoriously difficult. Part of the problem arises from Paul’s structuring the bulk of the letter as his motivation for wanting to visit. Even though many versions begin a new paragraph at 1:16 or 1:18 (or both), this material serves two purposes simultaneously. First, it provides supporting motivation for what precedes. In verses 16–17, Paul supports his stated desire to visit Rome; 1:18 and the following verses support his claim in 1:16–17 about not being ashamed of the gospel. Each chunk of motivating material looks backward rather than forward. It does not advance his argument to its next point; it offers support for the preceding point.

Second, both 1:16–17 and 1:18 begin new, embedded lines of argument, even though they are extended digressions from what immediately precedes. In verses 16–17, Paul digresses from announcing his desire to visit, a topic he resumes near the end of the letter in 15:22. Similarly, 1:18 and the following verses digress from 1:16–17, addressing the universal problem of God’s wrath being revealed, before coming back to address the power of the gospel in the believer’s life at the beginning of Romans 5. Thus I view 1:18–4:25 as one giant digression in Paul’s overall argument. Nevertheless, this section provides crucial information we need to understand his flow of thought. The phrase “having been justified by faith” in 5:1 reaches back and resumes the argument line in 1:16–17 about the power and righteousness of God revealed in the gospel. Paul first addresses the plight of humanity with regard to sin and then returns to his discussion of the impact God’s righteousness can have in a believer’s mortal life after the penalty of sin has been removed.

Does this mean that paragraph breaks at 1:16 and 1:18 are wrong? No, we just need to keep the bigger structural picture in mind. Paragraph breaks are flat; they can’t show us much in the way of hierarchy. So even though we generally view Romans 1:16–17 as the theme of the whole book, we have to remember that it is embedded within the larger idea: wanting to visit. Similarly, the whole section describing humanity’s depravity and God’s plan for reconciliation and restoration is embedded within the larger idea, described in 1:16–17, of the preeminence of the gospel message.

Rhetorical strategies and hierarchy aside, these verses are indeed critical to the argument Paul follows with. First Corinthians 15:3–8 provides a concise summary of Paul’s gospel. The letter to the Romans expands on this, beginning with the universal problem of sin and its consequences for Jew and Gentile alike (see comments on 2:1). It is not just a matter of having committed sins; the presence of sin in the world and in our flesh has destroyed God’s intended purpose for creation. After outlining God’s reconciliation plan, Paul addresses lingering issues concerning the relationship between the Law and the believer’s ongoing struggle with sin. Finally, Paul moves on to how this reconciliation affects our interaction with others in the church and the world around us. Paul sees the gospel as much more than a simple plan of salvation. The power and righteousness it reveals change everything, if we really understand it. This, in a nutshell, is what motivates Paul to come and preach the gospel in Rome.

Each of the sentences in this section is cast as support for what precedes. Paul’s unashamed embrace of the gospel is based on its power for salvation to all who believe. The reference to “Jew and Gentile” alike makes clear that there is no favoritism here, which, as we will see, cuts both ways. But there’s more: The gospel is not just the power of God for salvation; it also reveals God’s righteousness.

Important Revelation: Verses 17–18 reveal two things, one positive, one negative. The positive—the righteousness of God—should lead God’s creation to a humble and obedient response.

This positive revelation sets the stage for a more daunting revelation in the next verse. Although the revelation of God’s righteousness ought to be sufficient to get people’s attention, Paul provides more practical motivation: the revelation of God’s wrath (1:18).