Romans 1:14

Vv. 14. No connecting particle. Such is always the indication of a feeling which as it rises is under the necessity of reaffirming itself with increasing energy: “ Yea, I feel that I owe myself to all that is called Gentile.” The first division, into Greeks and Barbarians, bears on the language, and thereby on the nationality: the second, into wise and ignorant, on the degree of culture. It may be asked in what category did Paul place the Romans themselves. As to the first of these two classifications, it is obvious that he cannot help ranking among the Greeks those to whom he is writing at the very time in the Greek language. The Romans, from the most ancient times, had received their culture from the Greek colonies established in Italy. So Cicero, in a well-known passage of the De finibus (Romans 2:15), conjoins Graecia and Italia, and contrasts them with Barbaria. As to the second contrast, it is possible that Paul regards the immense population of Rome, composed of elements so various, as falling into the two classes mentioned. What matters? All those individuals, of whatever category, Paul regards as his creditors. He owes them his life, his person, in virtue of the grace bestowed on him and of the office which he has received (Romans 1:5). The emotion excited by this thought is what has caused the asyndeton between Romans 1:13-14.