Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 15:27

"Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it [to them] also to minister unto them in carnal things." — Romans 15:27 (ASV)

Their debtors. He immediately states the reason. Compare Romans 1:14.

Of their spiritual things. They have received the gospel by means of those who had been Jews and were now admitted to the same privileges with them.

Carnal things. These are things pertaining to the flesh, that is, to this life. On this ground, the apostle bases the obligation to support the ministers of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:11).

It becomes a matter of debt when the hearer of the gospel receives, in spiritual blessings, far more than he gives by supporting the ministry. Anyone who contributes his due proportion to support the gospel may receive far more in return—in his own peace, edification, and in the order and happiness of his family—than his money could purchase in any other way.

The gain is on his side, and the money is not lost. The minister is not a beggar; and what is necessary for his support is not almsgiving. He has an equitable claim—as much as a physician, a lawyer, or a teacher of youth has—to the necessities and comforts of life.