1:13 What was the fruit Paul referred to here?
1:13 What was the fruit Paul referred to here?
This is answered for us in the next verse (CP V14). The word debtor here means "one held by some obligation, bound by some duty".
It refers to a personal, moral obligation. Paul felt himself obligated to save souls to such a degree that not to preach the gospel would bring disaster upon him (CP 1Cor 9:16).
The most compelling thing in Paul's life - as it should be with every Christian - was to win souls to Christ. Souls won to Christ was the fruit Paul desired. It was immaterial to him whether they were Jews or Gentiles, society's elite, or its outcasts. Paul considered all men, without distinction of nation or culture his creditors, and we should too (CP Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15; Jn 15:16).
See also comments on Mt 28:19-20(A); Lu 19:11-27; Jn 15:16; Ac 11:19-21; Ro 1:13, 1:16-17; 1Cor 9:1-2; 2Cor 5:18-19; Eph 2:8-10 and author's studies The Christian Calling - Winning Souls to Christ in his book Foundational Truths of the Christian Faith, Chosen by God? in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 1), and Redeeming the Time - Winning Souls to Christ in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 2).