Bible Strands
Romans 15:27
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church to explain his collection for impoverished believers in Jerusalem. He records this financial mission immediately before outlining his travel plans through Macedonia and Achaia toward Spain.
The words — ὀφειλέται (opheiletai) literally means "debtors" or "obligated," while εὐδόκησαν (eudokēsan) translates to "they were pleased." Paul pairs these verbs to show the Gentile contribution functions as both a willing act and a binding duty.
The thread — The reciprocal duty appears in Galatians 6:6 and 1 Corinthians 9:11, where those who receive spiritual instruction must share material goods with their providers. Paul also acknowledges a personal debt to Philemon in Philemon 1:19.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to acknowledge that receiving spiritual benefit creates a concrete obligation to provide material support. It demands practical reciprocity rather than abstract gratitude.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?
- Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
- Philemon 1:19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self.
- Romans 11:17 Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root,