9 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you

14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.

15 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.

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 1:9, 14-17

13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

14 And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

— 1 Timothy 13-15

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Paul declared he was a slave of Christ Jesus, separated unto the gospel of God. For this calling Paul lived a turbulent life in troubled times, yet he unashamedly proclaimed Christ wherever he went. Despite persistent persecution and peril, he boldly shared the gospel. Believers today experience the same call Paul did – to go and make disciples in a hostile world. As a forgiven sinner who had pursued, persecuted, and participated in killing Christians, Paul understood the opposition Christ’s followers face.

Perhaps Paul’s past fervor urgently fueled his God-given mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul recognized the futility of misplaced allegiance and the necessity of God’s grace in salvation. He boldly preached the gospel of Christ, asking God to ignite faith in both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles) all over the world. God’s gracious gift of salvation in Christ should not be selfishly hoarded but urgently shared. God reveals His saving power for all people through the gospel. (Inspired by BSF’s Study of Romans)