Location and TimesRomans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27 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.
Notice the three reasons that Paul mentioned that they gave a contribution to the poor saints in Jerusalem.
They were delighted. It pleased them two times in these verses. They wanted to give. It was in their heart. They could give cheerfully.
They were in debt to those that had given to them. The gospel had come to them through the efforts of those in Jerusalem. Those that give to us spiritual gifts put us in debt to them. We owe them because they give us the gift that is of more value than anything we have. They told us about Jesus. They help us grow in grace.
They it was not only a delight and a debt but it was also a duty. They should give. They had received and they would give back.
We ought not give because of the debt or duty. It should be a delight but that never removes the principal reason which is that we delight. We want want to give. It is born in our hearts. It gives us joy!