I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.
Truth to Learn
Paul was compelled to preach to the Gentiles because of what he owed to God.
Behind the Words
“Debtor” is from opheiletēs, meaning “one who owes a debt or a favor.”
The Greek word that is translated “barbarians” in today’s verse is barbarois which literally is “barbar ones” or “those who say barbar.”
The word translated “wise” is Sophos. The meaning of this word in the New Testament is someone who is godly wise as opposed to worldly wise. It denotes a fear of God and an understanding of His ways. Secondarily, it refers to the possession of a certain practical ability in applying learning and truth.
“Unwise” is from anoētos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and noeō, referring to “things of the mind,” that is, comprehension. This, anoētos refers to someone who is lacking intelligence.
Meaning Explained
This is an interesting verse from the apostle Paul. On the surface it appears that Paul is saying that he owes a debt to a number of people, but I don’t think that’s what he means. Paul was called by God specifically to be the apostle to the Gentiles (nations), that is, to non-Jews. We see this later in Romans:
For I speak to you, the Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, (Romans 11:13)
In fact, Paul did not have an option as to whether or not he was to preach the gospel. He was compelled to do so by God. He owed it to God because of what God had done for him (salvation) and because he was called by God to do it.
For if I proclaim the gospel, it is no glory to me, for necessity is laid upon me; and woe is to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)
That’s why Paul calls himself a debtor. He felt like he owed a great debt to God, and it was only by being obedient to God’s call that he could pay off that debt. He expresses that debt in terms of people because it was to people that he was compelled to preach.
In today’s verse Paul says that he is “debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians,” but what does he mean? We have to remember that when Rome conquered any land, those who were conquered were permitted to retain their local language, but they were also required to use the common language of the Empire. This common language was Greek. Hence, anyone who spoke Greek was considered civilized. Anyone who did not speak Greek sounded like someone uttering, “bar, bar, bar …” Thus, they were called barbarians.
Paul then expresses these two classes of people in another manner as further explanation, “to wise and unwise.” A literal translation of this phrase would be “to the wise and the unintelligent.” I think he makes this distinction so that it is clear that he is not talking about a political difference, but a social difference. He wants to show that he is not bound or prohibited to preach to people based on social class, because the gospel is to all people regardless of social class.
Paul felt a strong constraint on himself to do what God had called him to do. He felt a deep seated conviction that he was called to preach. He also clearly believed that all who are saved are called to serve. Paul goes into much more detail about this notion in Romans chapter eight.
Application
What has God called you to do for Him? Do you know? Do you feel compelled to obey Him the way Paul does?
In God's service, for His glory,
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