Our Obligation to Barbarians

Romans 1:14-17: I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

The recipients of Paul’s letter probably were surprised by his bold confession that he’s obligated to preach the gospel to the barbarians. “Who cares about those savages?” some may have thought. As long ago as that was, I’m afraid our hearts (at least mine) aren’t different in this regard.

“I really relate to people of X background, education and income level, so I’ll share the gospel with them.” “Or, these are the people within my sphere of influence, I just have to worry about their salvation.” Maybe it’s simply our fears that keep us from sharing the gospel with those not so like us. But the righteous live by faith, so believe God's power and His plan.

Like Paul, we are obligated not just to the Greek (or “X people” for us) but also to the barbarians. We all have been charged to take the gospel to all nations and peoples. We are under obligation, we owe a gospel debt to all unbelievers. Christ’s call isn't a call to comfort.