Ηὐδόκησαν γὰρ καὶ ὀφειλέται αὐτῶν εἰσιν· εἰ γὰρ τοῖς πνευματικοῖς αὐτῶν ἐκοινώνησαν τὰ ἔθνη, ὀφείλουσι καὶ ἐν τοῖς σαρκικοῖς λειτουργῆσαι αὐτοῖς. (Romans 15:27)
For they were pleased, and they are their debtors; for if the nations shared in their spiritual things, they ought also to minister to them in material things.
In this verse Paul explains the principle behind the Gentiles’ contribution to the Jerusalem saints. The grammar fuses voluntariness (ηὐδόκησαν) with obligation (ὀφειλέται, ὀφείλουσι), grounding material support in prior spiritual participation. Syntax becomes theology: grace received creates duty to give.
Delight and Obligation: ηὐδόκησαν… ὀφειλέται
ηὐδόκησαν (aorist active indicative of εὐδοκέω, “they were pleased, they approved”) conveys free willingness. Yet Paul immediately adds ὀφειλέται αὐτῶν εἰσιν (“they are their debtors”). The present indicative εἰσιν establishes continuing obligation. Grammar places voluntariness and indebtedness side by side—what begins as joy becomes recognized duty.
Conditional Basis: εἰ… ἐκοινώνησαν
The first-class conditional clause εἰ… ἐκοινώνησαν (“if indeed they shared”) assumes reality. The verb ἐκοινώνησαν (aorist active indicative of κοινωνέω) means “to have fellowship with, to share.” The dative τοῖς πνευματικοῖς αὐτῶν specifies the sphere: “in their spiritual things.” Paul points to the Gentiles’ participation in the Jewish people’s spiritual blessings (the promises, Messiah, Scriptures).
Reciprocal Duty: ὀφείλουσι καὶ ἐν τοῖς σαρκικοῖς λειτουργῆσαι
The apodosis states the obligation: ὀφείλουσι (present indicative, “they owe”) introduces an enduring duty. The infinitive λειτουργῆσαι (“to minister, to serve”) is complementary, specifying the action owed. The sphere is ἐν τοῖς σαρκικοῖς—material things, in contrast with the spiritual. This contrast is sharpened by parallel structure: spiritual gifts received, material gifts given.
Datives of Relationship: αὐτοῖς
Both the spiritual sharing (τοῖς πνευματικοῖς αὐτῶν) and the material ministry (ἐν τοῖς σαρκικοῖς λειτουργῆσαι αὐτοῖς) are directed toward the same group. The dative pronoun αὐτοῖς ties the reciprocal relationship together—the Gentiles owe service to those from whom they have received blessings.
Syntax Table: From Participation to Obligation
| Greek Phrase | Grammar Role | Interpretive Insight |
|---|---|---|
| ηὐδόκησαν | Aorist indicative | Voluntary approval and delight in giving |
| ὀφειλέται αὐτῶν εἰσιν | Predicate nominative with present indicative | Defines an ongoing obligation to the saints |
| εἰ… ἐκοινώνησαν | First-class condition + aorist indicative | Assumes Gentile participation in spiritual blessings |
| ὀφείλουσι… λειτουργῆσαι | Main verb + complementary infinitive | Expresses the reciprocal duty of material service |
| ἐν τοῖς σαρκικοῖς | Prepositional phrase of sphere | Specifies the material realm of giving |
Grammar as the Economy of Grace
Romans 15:27 fuses grammar with theology of reciprocity. The aorist marks free delight, but the present tense fixes enduring debt. Participation in spiritual blessings entails obligation in material service. The syntax mirrors Paul’s theology of the body of Christ: grace flows in both directions, and grammar itself expresses the economy of grace.
