The feeling of shame often leads us to hide or stay silent about that which we find embarrassing or dishonorable. Paul boldly declares in Romans 1:16 that he is “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” In the context of Romans 1:16, the Greek word translated as “ashamed” refers to being disgraced or bringing on shame that matches the error of wrongly aligning with something.

This kind of shame causes people to distance themselves from whatever they are ashamed of. However, when it comes to the gospel, we should do the opposite. Our allegiance to the gospel is not misplaced; it is something to be proud of, not hidden.
Below are five actions that will help us be unashamed of the gospel, all from the book of Romans.
Remember What the Gospel Is About (Rom 1:1-6)
To be unashamed of the gospel, we must first remember what it is truly about. The gospel is not a new or random idea—it was prophesied long before it was fulfilled. Romans 1:2 reminds us that the gospel was foretold by the prophets, making it part of God’s eternal plan. Central to the gospel is Jesus Christ, the Son of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God, through His resurrection from the dead (Rom 1:3-4). The gospel brings grace, apostleship, and the obedience of faith to all nations (Rom 1:5-6). When we understand that the gospel is about God’s Son and His work, being ashamed of the gospel is akin to being ashamed of God Himself and His divine plan.
Grasp the Importance of the Gospel (Rom 1:14-17)
Understanding the importance of the gospel is crucial to being unashamed of it. For the apostle Paul, the gospel was so vital that he felt obligated to share it with everyone, regardless of who they were (Rom 1:14-15). The gospel is described as “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16). It is through the gospel that the righteousness of God is revealed, offering us a way to become righteous through faith (Rom 1:17). Paul’s eagerness to preach the gospel stemmed from his recognition of its power and significance. If we, like Paul, grasp the gospel’s importance, we will not be ashamed to share it with others.
Recognize the Need for the Gospel (Rom 1:18-3:21; 3:9-18, 23)
To fully appreciate the gospel, we must recognize the dire need for it. Beginning in Romans 1:18, Paul outlines the reasons why the gospel is essential. Unrighteousness provokes God’s wrath, but righteousness and attainable only through faith and obedience in and to the gospel. The reality of sin’s consequences highlights the necessity of the gospel as the solution to humanity’s ultimate problem. God makes it clear that this need is universal—both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and in need of the gospel’s saving power (Rom 3:9-18). When we truly understand the desperate need that we and others have for the gospel, any feelings of shame will be replaced with urgency and boldness in sharing it.
Know the Mechanism of the Gospel (Rom 3:21-26; 4:20-25)
The gospel is more than just a story; it is the account of what God has accomplished and how He has done it. Romans 3:21-26 and 4:20-25 provide insight into the mechanism of the gospel. God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel because He offered His Son as a propitiation (a sacrifice that pays for sin). This gift of righteousness is received by faith, just as Abraham was counted righteous because of his faith. Through the gospel, God remains just—sin is dealt with through the sacrifice of Christ—and He becomes the justifier, declaring those who have faith as righteous. Understanding this mechanism should lead us to rejoice in the gospel and embrace it with confidence, rather than being ashamed of it.
Cherish the Fruit of the Gospel
When we recognize what the gospel brings into our lives, there is no reason to be ashamed of it. Because of the gospel, we can escape the curse brought by Adam’s sin (Rom 5:18-19), die to sin and live a new life (Rom 6:3-7), and receive eternal life (Rom 6:23). The gospel frees us from the Law of Moses (Rom 7:4), allows us to live without condemnation (Rom 8:1), and makes us more than conquerors in this life (Rom 8:37). It opens the door to salvation for anyone who believes (Rom 10:12-13), transforms our lives (Rom 12:1-2), and fosters unity amidst diversity (Rom 14:1). The gospel also provides a spiritual support system (Rom 15:1-3), fills us with hope (Rom 15:13), and strengthens us to glorify God (Rom 16:25-27).
Paul was unashamed of the gospel because he understood its significance—he knew what it was about, grasped its importance, recognized the need for it, understood its mechanism, and cherished its fruit. When we fully appreciate the gospel in the same way, we will be unashamed of it as well. As a result, God will not be ashamed of us (Heb 11:6; Luke 9:26). The gospel is the power of God for salvation—let us never be ashamed to proclaim it.