Romans 1:13-15, A Debtor’s Resolve

Romans 1:13-15 Now I would not have you 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. 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 in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 

The Apostle Paul bears his heart with the Christians in Rome giving the reason why he longed to visit them. He tells them that he is a debtor. A responsible person who owes a debt would see to repay the debt as quickly as possible. He will not be slack to fulfil his obligation. Paul was referring to the gospel debt that he owed to his Lord and Saviour for saving him. And he felt a deep moving within his soul to repay this debt by voluntarily sharing the blessing of the gospel with others.

He testified in Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. His entire being is given over to the cause of Christ. He saw the eternal rewards and persevered in service for his Lord. He saw the great worth of the gospel work. And so he declared that he was ready to preach the gospel at Rome. Rome is the capital of the Roman Empire. If the people in Rome especially those in high places were converted, there would be a sanctifying effect upon the entire Roman Empire by virtue of their influence.

I recall visiting a gospel work in the Philippines to the army and the police force headed by a man together with his sons. They have been evangelising for 40 years sharing the gospel with police and army recruits. Their ambition for the Lord was to influence these future leaders who will be sent all over the Philippines to carry out law enforcement work that they be salt and light for Jesus Christ.

May God help us catch this spirit to be witnesses for Jesus Christ even if it require us to give of our time and resources to bring the gospel to someone.