Romans 1:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.

NIV: I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.

NASB: I am under obligation both to Greeks and to the uncultured, both to the wise and to the foolish.

CSB: I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish.

NLT: For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike.

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

NKJV: I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.

Paul has given several reasons for why he wants so badly to come to Rome. He wants to strengthen the believers there with a spiritual gift (Romans 1:11). He wants to be mutually encouraged, along with them, about each other's faith in Christ (Romans 1:12). In addition, he wants to lead many more people to faith in Christ, both among this group of readers and among other Gentiles: the non-Jewish people of the world (Romans 1:13).

Paul describes himself as being under obligation not just to Christ, but also to the people Christ has sent him to reach with the gospel. So Paul understands himself to be obligated both to Greeks—meaning those who speak Greek and fit into Greek culture—and to barbarians—meaning everyone else. In general, Greek civilization classified other cultures as "barbarians," considered less sophisticated and educated than the Greeks. Perhaps that's why Paul adds that he is under obligation both to the wise and to the foolish.

Paul himself, though Jewish by birth, was also a product of the Greco-Roman culture. He was educated, articulate, and possessed all the rights of a Roman citizen. It would not be unusual for someone with his background to look down on those thought of as "barbarians." Paul didn't take that view. He believed himself to be obligated to all people groups, everyone "loved by God and called to be saints" (Romans 1:7).

The bustling metropolis of Rome likely contained representatives of all the known people groups in the world. No wonder Paul longed to reap a harvest in that city. He imagined he could continue to carry out his evangelism mission on a large scale and with great, lasting impact.

Romans 1:8–15 contains Paul's description to the Roman Christians of his longing to travel to Rome to be with them. He prays continually that he may be allowed by God to come. He wants to give to them a spiritual gift and for them to mutually encourage each other's faith. Part of his reason for wanting to come to them is that his mission in life is to carry the gospel of Jesus to all people groups, many of whom are represented in Rome.

Romans 1 introduces Paul and his purpose in writing this letter to the Christians in Rome. As servant and apostle of Jesus, Paul's mission in life is to preach the gospel of Jesus to all people groups, both Jews and Gentiles. He hopes to do so in Rome soon. Paul is not ashamed of the gospel. It is God's power for the salvation of all people by faith in Christ. We need to be saved because God is angry with us. Because of our sin, humanity has rejected Him as creator and provider. We worship created things, instead. In response, God has given us over to indulge in all kinds of sinful practices that lead to misery now and His angry judgment later.

Romans 1 begins with Paul's introduction of himself and his mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. After telling the Christians in Rome that he is eager to come see them and preach the gospel there, Paul declares that the gospel is God's power to save everyone who believes in Jesus. We need to be saved, because our sin has earned God's wrath. As a whole, humanity has rejected God as creator and provider. We worship creation instead of Him. In response, He has given us over to the full indulgence of our sinful desires. We are guilty and deserve His judgment.

The book of Romans is the New Testament's longest, most structured, and most detailed description of Christian theology. Paul lays out the core of the gospel message: salvation by grace alone through faith alone. His intent is to explain the good news of Jesus Christ in accurate and clear terms. As part of this effort, Paul addresses the conflicts between law and grace, between Jews and Gentiles, and between sin and righteousness. As is common in his writing, Paul closes out his letter with a series of practical applications.