Romans 1:14-15

Romans 1:14-15

[14] I am  debtor  both  to the Greeks,  and  to the Barbarians;  both  to the wise,  and  to the unwise.  [15] So,  as much as  I am ready  to preach the gospel  that are at  Rome  also. 

What does Romans 1:14-15 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul"s love for Christian fellowship and his obligation to preach the gospel to all people motivated him to visit Rome (cf. Romans 1:1; Romans 1:5). Having received the grace of God himself, he recognized that this placed him in debt to everyone else. He owed them the opportunity to hear the gospel and to receive God"s grace themselves. Every Christian is indebted to every non-Christian because we have and can give what can impart life to those who are dead in sin, namely, the gospel.
The terms "Greek" and "Barbarian" ( Romans 1:14) divide Gentiles by language and culture. In Paul"s day this was a standard way of describing all races and classes within the Gentile world. [1] The Greek people spoke of anyone who did not speak the Greek language as a barbarian. The Greek word barbaros is onomatopoetic and imitates any rough-sounding, unintelligible language. [2] The "wise" and "foolish" distinction divides people intellectually (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:19-20; 1 Corinthians 1:26-27). Paul was probably thinking primarily of non-Jews since he was the apostle to the Gentiles.
Paul did not regard his opportunity to preach the gospel as a burden that he had to bear or as a duty he had to fulfill. Rather he was "eager" to share the good news with everyone ( Romans 1:15).
"If one has the finest intellectual and formal preparation for preaching but is lacking in zeal, he cannot hope for much success." [3]
The salutation ( Romans 1:1-7) introduced Paul to his readers in a formal tone. However the explanation of his purpose in desiring to visit Rome ( Romans 1:8-15) revealed a pastoral heart warm to the readers and the lost, ready to edify the saints and evangelize sinners. Romans 1:8-15 play an integral part in introducing the argument and rhetoric of Romans. [4]