Romans 1-2

The gospel is powerful.

Verse 1:16-17 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith.""

Although the gospel and the news of the Kingdom of God came first to the Jews, it was always meant for the world.

for the salvation of everyone ... a righteousness from God ... by faith

Romans is a letter that focuses on the gospel from beginning to end to inform the readers what this gospel, this good news is.

Starting off is how God has revealed Himself to all in many ways: "what may be known about God is plain to them" (v.19) through creation and everything God has made His qualities are known so that no one has an excuse.

Bad news verses 1:22-23a: "Although the claimed to be wise, [having known of God,] they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images"

They settled for things they could understand, things they could see, things they could do, lies. "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen." (v.25)

Worse news chapter 2: 'you are a hypocrite and God's judgement and wrath are coming to you, He "will give to each person according to what he has done" (v.6)'

Read Verse 28-29. Appearances mean nothing, only what is on your heart will mean anything. Even Jews who thought they were fine because they had the law.

"A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God."

I've heard multiple times, you can't know how good the news is until you're heard the bad news first. Romans 1-2 is that bad news. Some more in chapter 3 too, but the Good News is just around the corner, you don't need to wait thousands of years for it.