“…they owe it to them.” Romans 15:27b

Paul notified the church at Rome of his impending visit, which he would include in the itinerary of his mission trip to Spain (vv. 23 – 24). His immediate focus, however, was to act as a deliveryman. Paul had visited Christian faith fellowships in Macedonia (what we know as Northern and Central Greece) and Achaia (Southern Greece) which had donated funds to be used for ministry to poor Christians in Jerusalem (vv. 25 – 26). This gift was given cheerfully by the Grecian Gentile Christians. Paul saw it as a mutually beneficial relationship between the fellow Believers. He described it this way:

“They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.” (v.27)

The Jews’ spiritual blessing is found in Jesus Christ, the fulfilled promise of a Messiah Who would bless all nations. Having accepted Christ as their own Savior, the Gentile-Christians were all the more eager to share with their less fortunate Jewish-Christian brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. Though they were not of the same race, they held in common the same Savior. Jesus breaks the boundaries which separate people – bringing them together as a Holy Nation – not a race of people known by their genetic code, but known by God for their faith (read 1 Peter 2:9 & Ephesians 5:27).

Paul reminded the Roman Christians of his pending trip to Spain – including his stop-over in Rome, after first delivering his sacred assignment. Once Paul was finished with his task, he promised to arrive, “in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.” (vv. 28 – 29) What would allow Paul to have such a full measure of blessing? By completing a sacred assignment which required trust and accountability: trust by those Grecian Christians to confidently endow Paul with the funds and the responsibility to deliver them; and accountability by the Jerusalem Christians who would joyfully receive the gift. HE OWED IT TO THEM… these were the very people he had persecuted prior to his conversion. They were hesitant to receive him after his conversion, yet God worked through the situation to provide Paul a pathway to reconciliation (read Acts 9:1-31).

The beauty of the Christian community is their commitment to reconciliation. We forgive and reconcile… because Christ first forgave and reconciled us to The Father. We all need forgiveness from others. When we do receive it and demonstrate a true change, there is a full measure of blessing in Christ!

Have a blessed day…