16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed– a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17 NIV)
Paul assumes his readers know what the gospel or good news is. The good news is Jesus Christ. He was born, lived, died for our sins, buried, and raised on the third day.
I don’t wear a cross around my neck. Then again, the only jewelry that I wear is a wedding ring. I wear it because I am not ashamed of being married. I have worn this ring for almost 50 years and the only time it comes off is when medical procedures require it.
Many people wear cross necklaces. Unfortunately, I suspect that many of them have no idea what the cross really signifies. Not even first century Christians would have thought of wearing a cross as piece of adornment. Crucifixion was a horrific way to be executed. To wear a cross would have identified a person with the core of the gospel. Jesus came and died on a cross to take away our sin. Crosses were ugly and associated with pain and death.
My grandson wears a cross necklace. I am proud of the fact that he wears it to announce that he is a Christian at his school which is mostly non-Christian. He is aware of 2 or 3 other Christians on campus. There may be more, but they are not announcing their loyalty to Jesus. I am not suggesting that they all purchase cross necklaces. I think Paul is suggesting that if they were open about their faith others who share that faith would be encouraged.
Around the world there are many who are physically suffering because of their faith in Jesus. They are not ashamed of the gospel, and it has cost them family, jobs, and lives. There was a time, here in America, when it was accepted and often expected that a person declare themselves a Christian. This is no longer the case. What would you do if we ever got to the point that as Christians, we were required to sew bright red crosses on all our clothing? I hope that at that point I could declare with Paul that I am not ashamed of the gospel. Far too often when I have had opportunities to declare my faith I have backed away from the opportunity. Fear has overruled faith and I pray that happens less and less.
Ron, my friend and spiritual mentor, you are not the only one who has let fear of being looked at as foolish stand in the way of siding with Christ; I have on many occasions here in Japan… May God forgive me for this! I think knowing him better would give me more confidence in speaking about Him.