A Study of The Book of Romans

Lesson 5 Chapter 1:13 – 15

  1. Verse 13 “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.”
    1. “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.”

a.       Again we see the earnestness Paul has to see these folks. It may be that he had planned to visit them for a long time but has been hindered.

b.      I believe it was because this was a big field for the gospel. Apparently this was one of few or the only one in Rome because Paul really wanted to be there.  Romans 15:20-23 “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: (21.) But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. (22.) For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. (23.) But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;”  

c.       Paul goes on to say in verse 13 “that I might have some fruit among you also” that is spiritual fruit or souls saved. John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

d.      “even as among other Gentiles.” Remember he was the Apostle o the Gentiles not exclusively but mostly.     

  1. Verse 14 “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” This verse is a carry over thought from verse 13.
    1. “I am debtor “

a.       A debtor is defined as - an ower, that is, a person indebted. So who was Paul a debtor too, the Greeks and Barbarians? 1 Corinthians 9:16 “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”

b.      A Greek is - a Greek speaking person, especially a non-Jew: - Gentile. Basically there are two types of people the Jews and the rest of the world or Gentiles or other wise known here as Greeks.

c.       A Barbarian is - a foreigner or one who speaks a foreign language. 1 Corinthians 14:11 “Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.”

    1. both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians;”

a.       The Gospel was and is to be preached to the whole world, we as Paul are indebted to Christ Jesus to deliver this massage, the same message delivered to us.

b.      This is Paul’s charge and it is the same as ours Acts 9:15 “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:” – To the world.

c.       To the Greek they thought themselves to be wise and they thought Barbarians to be ignorant, however every nation believes they are the most intelligent just as most men do. 1 Corinthians 1:22 “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:” – however let’s not forget what the Lord said about worldly wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:19 “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” - 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. (19.) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

d.      This is why Paul ended verse 14 with “both to the wise, and to the unwise” – It does not matter who people are all need to be saved and can be because it is not about smartness but rather the Holy Spirit. – None had biblical smartness until the Holy Spirit taught us.

  1. Verse 15 “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”
    1. Paul has said that he is a debtor; now he says he is ready to pay that debt. In other words, Paul says, I am ready to pay my debt to Christ Jesus who paid my debt.
    2. This is from the Life Application Bible Commentary -
      EAGERNESS
      “Paul was eager to preach the gospel. Is our Christian service done in a spirit of eagerness? Or do we serve out of habit, a feeling of obligation, or perhaps even with a feeling of reluctant duty (much like a child who has to take a bath)? When we fully understand what Christ has done for us and what he offers to others, we will be motivated to share the Good News. Ask God to rekindle that fresh, eager attitude that wants to obey him and to tell others about Christ.”
    3. Paul always had a burning desire to preach the gospel and so should every Minister, when that burning desire is gone it is time to retire!!!
    4. This was truly his burning desire for Rome, and open field that had not been planted and watered much and he wanted to get the seed down and the sprinklers going to see if God was willing to give increase.
    5. This reminds me of a Missionary going to a new field where the word of God is Barbarian or an unknown tongue to them.