When Paul wrote the letter to the Romans, he wasn’t throwing random theological truths on a page. He was building a tightly connected argument — and in Romans 1:16–20, we see one of the clearest and most logical sequences in the entire New Testament.
Let’s walk through it, the way theologian John Stott did — by turning Paul’s logic into a dialogue:
A Conversation with Paul
Paul: I’m not ashamed of the gospel. (Rom 1:16a)
Q: Why not, Paul?
Paul: Because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (16b)
Q: But how is it powerful?
Paul: Because in it, the righteousness of God is revealed. (17)
Q: Why does righteousness need to be revealed?
Paul: Because the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. (18)
Q: But how have people suppressed the truth?
Paul: Because what may be known about God is plain to them… for since the creation of the world God’s invisible attributes have been clearly seen. (19–20)
The 4-Fold Revelation of God
Stott helps us summarize the flow of thought by identifying four powerful ways God reveals Himself in these verses — and he reverses the order for clarity:
God Reveals His Glory— in Creation (vv. 19–20)
His eternal power and divine nature are on display in the world around us. Creation is not silent — it points to a Creator.
God Reveals His Wrath— against Sin (v. 18)
When people suppress the truth and choose rebellion, God reveals His wrath. But it’s not fire-and-brimstone yet — it’s abandonment (Rom 1:24–28). He lets them go their own way.
God Reveals His Righteousness— in the Gospel (v. 17)
This is the good news: the same God who reveals wrath against sin also reveals a way to be made right — through faith in Christ.
God Reveals His Power — in Salvation (v. 16)
The gospel isn’t just a message — it’s a power that brings dead hearts to life, transforms sinners into saints, and gives eternal life to those who believe.
Why This Matters
This section (Romans 1:16–20) holds together like a chain. Each link explains the one before:
- We need salvation because…
- God’s righteousness is needed because…
- His wrath is being revealed because…
- People have rejected His glory revealed in creation.
The gospel isn’t just “good advice” — it’s good news in light of bad news. And that’s exactly where Paul begins.
Final Thought
Before Paul can show us how good the good news is, he shows us how bad the bad news is. That’s why understanding God’s glory, wrath, righteousness, and power is essential to understanding the gospel itself.
Romans 1 isn’t just a warning — it’s a foundation.
It sets up the rest of the letter and shows us why Jesus is not just helpful… but necessary.
Reference
John R. W. Stott, The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World, The Bible Speaks Today (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001),
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