Debtor to Greeks and Barbarians Romans 1:14

Paul the apostle told the church members in Rome he did not want them to be, “ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles”, and in chapter one and verse fourteen of Romans, Paul shared with the church members how he was a, “debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians” where we read:

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

The verse begins, “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians;” Paul began with the word, “I am debtor” or “Paul owed and was bound” “both” or “even as” “to the Greeks” which means “Gentiles or natives of the Greek islands or colonies” “and to the Barbarians” or “to ones who speak a foreign or strange language which is not understood by another; foreigners”. Paul felt that he “owed” the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to both “Gentiles and foreigners”.

The verse continues, “both to the wise, and to the unwise.” Paul added the parenthetical word, “both” which means “even as” “to the wise” or “to the skilled and expert artificers as well as the skilled in letter who were cultivated and learned” “and to the unwise” which refers to “to those who do not understand, unintelligible and foolish”. Paul also believed he “owed” those who were “educated and skilled” as well as those who lacked “understanding” and were foolish.

When we consider these words of Paul, we may marvel at the wide expanse of people to whom Paul shared the “gospel of Jesus Christ”. Regardless of the person's background, Paul desired for them to know the Lord. Some people are “wise” and highly skilled and educated, and others are “unwise” and lack education and training. No one is exempt to hear the “good news” of God concerning Jesus Christ and His dying for their sins. God desires a relationship with every person, and the passion and “debt” Paul felt he “owed” to everyone should be reflected for others in every Christian's heart as well.

Next time Paul tells the church members how he is, “ready to preach the gospel to you that are in Rome”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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