Connect Romans 1:14 with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Setting the Scene Romans opens with Paul’s heart on display: he owes the gospel to everyone. Decades earlier, Jesus gave the same sweeping assignment—make disciples of all nations. Linking Paul’s confession in Romans 1:14 with Matthew 28:19-20 shows one seamless mission stretching from Christ to every believer. Paul’s Sense of Obligation—Romans 1:14 “I am obligated both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.” • “Obligated” (or “debtor”) speaks of a real debt, not a mere feeling. • Greeks = cultured, educated; barbarians = uncultured outsiders. • Wise and foolish covers every social and intellectual bracket. • Paul sees himself under divine assignment—he must pay the debt by sharing Christ. The Commission of Our Lord—Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.” • “Go” turns disciples into disciple-makers. • “All nations” eliminates geographic or ethnic limits. • Baptizing and teaching ensure converts grow into faithful followers. • Christ’s continual presence guarantees power and success. One Mission, Two Voices—How Romans 1:14 Echoes the Great Commission • Same scope – Romans: Greeks + barbarians + wise + foolish – Matthew: all nations • Same urgency – Paul: “I am obligated” – Jesus: “Go” (present imperative—ongoing action) • Same content – Paul later defines the gospel he must preach (Romans 1:16-17). – Jesus specifies baptism and teaching, the outworking of that gospel. • Same authority – Paul’s apostleship received “through Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:5). – The risen Lord claims “all authority” (Matthew 28:18, immediate context). • Same promise of divine help – Paul serves “in the spirit of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:19). – Jesus: “I am with you always.” Scriptures that Reinforce the Call • Mark 16:15 — “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” • Acts 1:8 — “You will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” • 1 Corinthians 9:16 — “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” • 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 — “The love of Christ compels us.” • Psalm 96:3 — “Declare His glory among the nations.” Practical Implications for Us Today • See ourselves as gospel debtors—no one is exempt from needing Christ. • Cross every cultural, social, and intellectual boundary; the message fits all. • Proclaim, baptize, and teach—evangelism and discipleship belong together. • Rely on Christ’s presence; boldness flows from knowing He is with us. • Measure ministry success by obedience to the commission, not by comfort or convenience. In Summary Paul’s “obligation” in Romans 1:14 is the personal echo of Jesus’ Great Commission. The same Lord who sent the original disciples sends us, and His gospel debt drives us outward until every tribe, tongue, and intellect hears and has the chance to believe. |
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