Romans 1:14-15 Can be a difficult verse to understand unless we really look at the words and what they mean: “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.” What does Paul mean when he says he is obligated? Why would he feel obligated to both Greeks and non-Greeks, wise and the foolish?
According to Webster’s Dictionary, the word obligated can mean legally or morally bound or committed. As a Pharisee, Paul was obligated to keeping the law and the traditions of his religion. However, once saved, he was free from these obligations, so what does he mean here? I think the word obligated means morally bound or even committed pan this verse. Paul felt a moral obligation in his heart to make the name of Jesus known. He had previously been Christians, but now it was time to make His name known to all the world, every culture, every religion. He was also committed to Christ in every way and wanted to show that commitment by preaching the gospel.
What about you? Do you feel a sense of obligation to bringing the name of Jesus to your family, your work, the world around you? If not, spend some time in prayer, asking that God would place a sense of urgency in your heart today.