Why is it that Paul is not ashamed of the gospel?  (1:16)  

Have you ever been ashamed of the gospel?  Are there any teachings in biblical Christianity that you are tempted to be ashamed of?  How might Paul’s words here help us to overcome shame that we might feel at times for believing the gospel?

What does Paul mean when he says that the gospel is “the power of God”?  (1:16)  How do we see the power of God on display in Paul’s gospel?  What it is about the gospel that requires the power of God (as opposed to human strength)?

Paul says that salvation comes “to the Jew first, and also the Greek”.  (1:16)  What does he mean by this?  What are some ways in which the Jewish people have a priority, or a “first-ness”, over Gentiles?  What are some ways in which there are no distinction between Jews and Gentiles?

Read 1:16.  How do we see the inclusivity of the gospel on display in this verse?  How do we see the exclusivity of the gospel on display in this verse?

What are some reasons why people might be offended or scandalized by the inclusivity of the gospel of Jesus? What are some reasons why people might be offended or scandalized by the exclusivity of the gospel of Jesus?

What does Paul mean by “the righteousness of God”?  How is the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel?

Paul says that the righteousness of God is revealed “from faith for faith” (which could also be translated as “beginning and ending in faith”).  (1:17)  What does this phrase mean?  Why is it important?

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