14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.
14 I am a debtor both to Greeks
There is an obligation that rests on those who share the gospel. Paul had a special sense of obligation to the Gentiles because he was the apostle to the Gentiles. His own personal salvation demanded that he share that salvation with others. It placed him in debt to those who did not know the Savior.
1 Co 9:16, For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
and to barbarians,
“Barbarians” were non-Greeks, that is, anyone other than a Greek and those who did not speak Greek.
both to wise and to unwise.
“Wise” and “unwise” refer to cultured and uncultured. Paul wanted to spread the gospel irrespective of ethnic or cultural background. There was no partiality in him.
PRINCIPLE:
God does not want us to distinguish between groups in giving the gospel.
APPLICATION:
We are double debtors—to Christ and to men. It is amazing that so few Christians feel any debt to those without Christ. Paul had a sense of responsibility to give the gospel to all types. God wants us to minister to people of all stripes. No one should be beneath us. We should find ways to bridge the gospel to them. Jesus found a way to pay our debt for our sins.
God will reimburse us for paying our debt of sharing the gospel.
