Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 1:16

16. For I am not asham'd of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Though Rome be the Head of the Empire, and the Romans bear the Name of Wise and Learned Persons; and though the Gospel hath the shew of simplicity, and [illegible: 1 word] foolishness to the Wise Men of this World; yet I am not asham'd to own and publish this Gospel of Christ. I don't s[illegible: 1 letter]rink back, and withdraw my self as Men do, from those Things whereof they are asham'd. Neither indeed need I, because, how mean soever it seems to be to Carnal Eyes, yet it is the Power of God unto Salvation, &c.

Not the essential Power of God, but the Organical Power. See the like 1 Cor. 1.18. The meaning is, it is a powerful Means ordain'd of God for this purpose: Touching the Efficacy, and excellent Power of the Gospel, for the Conversion and Salvation of the Souls of Men. vid. Is[illegible: 1 letter]. 53.1. 1 Cor. 4.15. 2 Cor. 4.7. 2 Cor. 10.4.5. Heb. 4.12. Iames 1.21.

The Gospel is offer'd unto all, but it profiteth unto Salvation, only those that Believe; as a Medicine is only Effectual to those who receive or apply it.

The Gospel was first to be publisht to the Iews, and then to the Gentiles, whom he here calls Greeks. vid. Luk. 24.47. Act. 1.8. This Order the Apostles accordingly kept and observ'd, Act. 13.46.

Marginal references: Psal. 40.9.10. 2 Tim. 1.8.; 1 Cor. 1.18. & 15.2.