 Probably last letter written; written by mature Paul;  Written at the time of his third visit to Corinth (56-58 A.D.);  Paul intends to pass through Rome on his journey to Spain;

 Intended readers: "all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints." In other words, they were the members of the church in Rome.  Purpose: to counteract false teachers (Judaizers) who made attacks about his teachings;

 This letter is the longest letter and is considered as a highly developed theological letter;  Paul attempts to set out his understanding of Jesus' death and resurrection;  Theme: topics such as the nature of sin (Jew and Gentile), the means of being made righteous, the Law, election, and eschatology.

 Paul insists Jewish rejection of the Gospel does not imply Israel’s election is annulled.  Refers to tensions between Gentile Christians and Jewish Christians  Paul reacts to opposite understandings of Gospel

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Emphasizes justification by faith 1) Trying to show that Greek (gentile) dependence on knowledge of right and wrong does not save a person. Only faith in Jesus does. 2) Jewish dependence on the law and Jewish customs does not save a person. Only faith in Jesus does.

 Human condition: both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin;  Faith in Jesus save: neither knowledge nor Law saves. God’s free gift of grace alone saves;  Abraham: example of faith. Abrahams attitude should be our attitude;

 God’s salvation and human freedom – we are children of God by power of the Holy Spirit;  His new life in us unites us totally to God’s love.  Christian living: freedom in faith demands responsible Christian living, living based on love.