Paul explains why he is unashamed of the gospel. “For” in the English translations can most often also be translated, “because.” Paul is unashamed of the gospel because the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. So, we cannot begin at verse 18 and use the pericope as an indictment against our fellow people. It is an explanation as to why Paul unashamedly preaches the gospel, not an indictment. Because people are receiving (notice the present-tense) the wrath of God in their unrighteousness and the truth is being suppressed by them even though God has made it evident to them, Paul wants to speak the gospel—not condemnation. He wants to disclose the truth.

The truth Paul wants to disclose is not a new truth. God has revealed Himself through creation since the creation of the world. His invisible attributes, power, and divine nature have been clearly seen and understood through what has been made. Paul’s target audience is without excuse. They knew God but did not honor Him, instead becoming futile (or meaningless, without purpose) in their speculations—darkening their foolish hearts. Though they could philosophize and theologize, producing profundancies, they were fools because the thoughts they were producing ultimately would amount to meaningless and purposeless dribble because in their philosophies and human religions they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man—and God gave them over to the lusts (desires) of their hearts.

There are many people who exalt our freedom of will, defending it above all else. Indeed, we are free to choose in accordance with our desires. If our desires are not bound by God and our wills held captive, we derogate much like the people described in Romans 1. Free will is given, but understand that we always choose in accordance with our desires. If we are acting in accordance with our own wills, I have to question whether we are seeking the captivating will of our Lord, Christ.

God gave them over to their degrading passions. Paul lists things he believes are degrading to the person—things that are harmful to individuals and society: homosexuality, wickedness, greed, envy, murder, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, arrogance, boastfulness, and disobedience to parents. Because they were concerned only about doing things in accordance with their own passions, they could not understand others. They could not be trusted because they fought for their own agendas and preferences. They were incapable of love because they were concerned about fulfilling their own wants—which causes all of us to use others rather than love them sacrificially. They were unable to show mercy because they exalted themselves and had to have what they felt entitled to. Though they know God’s Law, they practice in accordance with their own desires and give hardy approval to others who also behave in such an unloving and unmerciful manner.

When we see the prevalence of this lifestyle among those who are not in Christ, it is easy to condemn or add to the hatred. Christians too easily get caught up in a moment or step on their moral high-horses. Instead, it is good to take Paul’s attitude here. He sees these practices that cause injustice, misunderstanding, hatred, and violence in the world. His response is to write a letter whereby he explains the gospel. This is what it means to be unashamed of the gospel of Christ—to offer it as the answer to the injustice, hatred, and violence in the world that is brought about by the selfish lifestyles of worldly people. We don’t hate or condemn anyone. We do want people to know that there is a better way.

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