Paul says that he too is a “debtor.” This statement begs the question, “To whom did he owe a debt?” Paul didn’t own a Visa, MasterCard or American Express. He didn’t owe the phone company or the bank. Paul tells us that he owed ALL MEN. He says it in two different ways. 

First, he says, “I am debtor both to Greeks and to the barbarians.” The “Greeks” were cultured people. They built cities, expanded the arts and sciences and developed athletic contests. “Barbarians” means “those whose speech is rude, rough and harsh.” The Greeks used this term to describe those not of their own culture and language. Paul saw himself as a “debtor” both to the cultured and the uncultured. 

Second, Paul says, “I am a debtor… both to wise and to the unwise.” The Greek word for “wise” is sophos, which has the quality of goodness. “Unwise” therefore, has the quality of immorality. Paul was a “debtor” to both the moral and immoral. He was a “debtor” to ALL MEN! Paul even further describes this in today’s verse. 

We know Paul owed a debt. We know he owed a debt to all men. The next question logically followed, “What debt did Paul owe?” He didn’t owe money; he owed the gospel. When he considered God’s amazing grace in his own life he felt a supreme obligation to share it with others.

Uh oh! You see where this is headed. Have you ever considered the great debt you owe for what Christ has done for you? We surely owe Christ to, at a minimum, share what He has done for each one of us. We owe our very life and future life to Him. How can we be any less than indebted to Him? Share today!