Fittingly, Professor F. F. Bruce in his book The Epistle of Paul to the Romans said this of the apostle: “The preaching of the gospel is in his blood, and he cannot refrain from it; he is never ‘off duty’ but must constantly be at it, discharging a little more of that debt which he owes to all mankind​—a debt which he will never fully discharge so long as he lives.”

“A Debtor” to All

11. What is meant by “I am a debtor”?

¹¹ There was another motivating force behind Paul’s tireless efforts in declaring the good news. “Both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to wise and to senseless ones I am a debtor,” Paul said. (Romans 1:14) In what way was Paul “a debtor”? Other translations render this expression as “I am under obligation” (New English Bible), “I have an obligation” (Today’s English Version), or “I owe a duty” (Jerusalem Bible). Was he saying, then, that the preaching work was a burdensome duty or obligation that he had to discharge before God? It is easy to develop such an attitude if we lose sight of the urgency or are distracted by worldly attractions. But that was not what Paul had in mind.

12. To whom was Paul “a debtor,” and why?

¹² As God’s “chosen vessel” and as “an apostle to the nations,” Paul did have a very heavy responsibility before God. (Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13) Yet his sense of obligation was not just to God. He said he was “a debtor” to ‘Greeks, Barbarians, wise and senseless ones.’ For the mercy and privilege granted him, he felt it his duty to preach so that all people could hear the good news. He realized, too, that it is God’s will that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 1:12-16; 2:3, 4) That was why he labored incessantly, not just to live up to his responsibility toward God but also to discharge his debt to his fellow humans.