Romans 15:27

It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

It hath pleased them {G2106} verily {G1063}; and {G2532} their {G846} debtors {G3781} they are {G1526}. For {G1063} if {G1487} the Gentiles {G1484} have been made partakers {G2841} of their {G846} spiritual things {G4152}, their duty is {G3784} also {G2532} to minister {G3008} unto them {G846} in {G1722} carnal things {G4559}.

They were pleased to do it, but the fact is that they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared with the Jews in spiritual matters, then the Gentiles clearly have a duty to help the Jews in material matters.

They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.

Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things.

Romans 15:27 is part of Paul's explanation for his planned journey to Jerusalem and then to Spain, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church. This verse highlights a fundamental principle of Christian giving and mutual obligation.

Context

Leading up to this verse, Paul discusses his extensive missionary work and his desire to visit Rome before heading to Spain. He mentions a crucial detour: bringing a financial contribution from the Gentile churches in Macedonia and Achaia to the poor saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25). This collection, often referred to as "the collection for the saints," was not merely an act of charity but held deep theological significance, fostering unity between Jewish and Gentile segments of the nascent Christian community.

Key Themes

  • Mutual Obligation and Reciprocity: The core message is that if the Gentiles have received invaluable spiritual blessings from the Jewish people (the Law, the Prophets, the covenants, and ultimately the Messiah, as highlighted in John 4:22 and Romans 9:4-5), then they have a corresponding duty to share their material resources. This establishes a principle of balanced exchange within the body of Christ.
  • Spiritual Debt: Paul frames the Gentiles' contribution not just as a gift, but as a "debt." They are spiritually indebted to the Jewish believers through whom the Gospel and the knowledge of God came into the world. This debt is repaid through tangible, material support.
  • Christian Unity: This act of giving also served to bridge potential divides between Jewish and Gentile Christians, demonstrating a practical manifestation of their unity in Christ and mutual care.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "their debtors they are" comes from the Greek word opheilousin (ὀφείλουσιν), which means "they owe" or "it is their duty." This term strongly conveys a moral obligation rather than just a voluntary act of kindness. The contrast between "spiritual things" (Greek: pneumatika, πνευματικὰ) and "carnal things" (Greek: sarkika, σαρκικὰ) is significant. Pneumatika refers to spiritual realities, blessings, and truths, while sarkika refers to material, physical, or earthly possessions and needs. Paul emphasizes that the former are of infinitely greater value, thus establishing the priority and the basis for the material reciprocity.

Practical Application

Romans 15:27 provides a timeless principle for believers today. It reminds us that all gifts, whether spiritual or material, flow from God, and those who have received abundantly are called to share with others. This applies to:

  • Support for Ministry: Just as the early church supported those who brought them the Gospel, we are called to support missionaries, pastors, and ministries that provide spiritual nourishment.
  • Global Christian Fellowship: It encourages churches and believers in materially prosperous regions to support those in need in less fortunate areas, recognizing our shared spiritual heritage and unity in Christ. This echoes the broader biblical principle of equality in giving and receiving within the body of Christ.
  • Gratitude and Generosity: The verse fosters a spirit of gratitude for the spiritual blessings we have received and motivates generosity as a natural response to that gratitude.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:11

    If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

  • Galatians 6:6

    Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

  • Philemon 1:19

    I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand, I will repay [it]: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

  • Romans 11:17

    And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

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