Romans 1:14-16 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.… This declaration of the apostle implies — I. THE ADAPTATION OF THE GOSPEL TO ALL THE VARIETIES OF HUMAN CHARACTER. There are three reasons which prove this fact, which fact constitutes the basis of all missionary duty, and gives encouragement to missionary exertion. 1. The perfection of its evidence. There is no species of moral proof by means of which the understanding can be convinced, the heart impressed, the conscience affected — that is, not brought before us in that evidence which establishes and illustrates the divinity of the gospel. 2. The completeness of its discoveries. Jesus is expressly termed "the Finisher of the faith." He has not only announces it, but completed it. Whatever respects the character of God, the way of salvation, the rule of duty, the source of happiness — whatever belongs to the faith, the hope, the holiness of the Christian — is fully revealed in this sacred testimony. 3. The results of its influence. We can look back on the workings of this mighty system for eighteen centuries, and see how it has always been attended by the same gracious power, and secured the same spiritual results, and thus has been demonstrably proved the truth that it "is the power of God to salvation unto everyone that believeth." II. THE OBLIGATIONS WHICH CHRISTIANS ARE UNDER TO SECURE BY ALL PRACTICAL AND DIVINELY APPOINTED MEANS ITS UNIVERSAL DIFFUSION. 1. The obligation respects yourselves. There is a question which should always take the precedency when we are contemplating any line of benevolent effort. Have you fled to the refuge of mercy? Is the gospel testimony cordially believed by you? Let these be your feelings, and then you will be at once prepared to appreciate the force of the apostle's statement: "I am a debtor," etc. Having yourselves tasted that the Lord is gracious, you will be delighted to invite others to partake with you in the rich banquet of mercy. The very fact of receiving it carries along with it the obligation to make it known as well as imparts to the mind receiving it an holy activity in its diffusion. 2. In what respects may we regard this obligation as a debt? (1) Gratitude to the Redeemer requires that we should regard this debt and attempt to discharge it. What is there that we do not owe to Christ? (2) It is a debt of honour. If there were no explicit command, yet recollecting how much you owe to the Saviour, and your high privileges, every honourable feeling should bring you to His service. (3) It is a debt of justice. You have what every man wants, and what has been given you for every man; therefore it is unjust to withhold it. What would have been the condition of this land, or our personal conditions, if others had acted towards us on the same feeling of selfish indifference and forgetfulness of this plain and palpable duty? (4) It is a debt for the payment of which we shall be amply compensated. No man lends in this work of labour and love without finding an abundant interest. To be in any measure instrumental, directly or indirectly, in saving the souls of men, will confer a great happiness compared with which all other sources of enjoyment are less than nothing and vanity. (5) It is enforced by the command and authority of the Divine Redeemer, It is not, therefore, left to your calculations or to your feelings. (J. Fletcher, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.WEB: I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish. |
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