1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—

7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

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.

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.”

— Romans 1:1, 7, 15-17

Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

— Galatians 3:11

But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

— Hebrews 10:38

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

One single letter, the Book of Romans, written nearly 2000 years ago by the apostle Paul impressively holds the key to understanding God‘s plan for humanity. It not only shaped Christian belief but also sparked some of the most powerful movements in history. It is so profound and transformative that it has changed the lives of countless individuals and continues to influence people to this day. It isn’t just a letter. It’s a deep comprehensive explanation of the gospel — the good news of Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote it to the early church in Rome, a city that represented the heart of the empire and the center of the world at that time, through Romans. He lays out the message of salvation with unprecedented clarity. He explains that salvation isn’t something we earn or achieve. It’s a gift from God, given through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans we find themes of grace, faith, redemption, the power of God‘s love and the truth that goes straight to the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ! Amen!