In Romans 1:16, Paul stated, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. The word ashamed is full of meaning. Paul is saying that he was not “to be ashamed.” In the past, we have done things of which we are now ashamed. For as Paul wrote, “What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.” (Rom. 6:21). Therefore, we live now so as to not be ashamed when we face God. As John said, “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” (1 Jn. 2:28). Thus, the person who is ashamed of Jesus and of His word will find that Christ is ashamed of him on the Day of Judgment. For, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mk. 8:38). So, Paul was not ashamed of the good news of Christ. He told it openly!
Another meaning of this word is ashamed is “embarrassed.” Paul was not embarrassed to suffer for Christ. “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Tim. 1:12). Paul was not embarrassed and neither was the good man Onesiphorus who went to visit Paul in the Roman prison. “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he o[ refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:” (2 Tim. 1:16). Likewise, Timothy was also instructed not to be embarrassed when he preached about a man dying on a cross. For, “The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.” (2 Tim. 1:18). Therefore, no Christian is to be embarrassed when he suffers for Christ’s sake. “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Pet. 4:16). Paul was not embarrassed by the gospel of Christ. He repeated it proudly and so should we!
This word ashamed also contains the idea of “disappointment.” Paul seems to use it this way when he says that his hope is based on Christ and because of that, he will not be ashamed. He said, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” (Phil. 1:20). Peter describes Christ as a cornerstone, tested and tried. He promises that the one who puts his trust in Him will not be disappointed. “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” (1 Pet. 2:6‐8). Paul was not disappointed in the good news about Jesus. He affirmed it confidently!
So, are you ashamed of the story of Jesus? Do you ever tell it to your friends? And, will Christ be ashamed when you face Him in judgment and say you are His?