Overview
Romans is a letter from Paul to believers in Rome, a community he had not yet visited, and is his most systematic exposition of the gospel he proclaimed. It addresses the justification of Jews and Gentiles alike by faith, new life in the Holy Spirit, the faithfulness of God to Israel, and the life of the community.
Theme The righteousness of God revealed to Jew and Gentile alike
Historical background
Paul wrote this letter from Corinth near the end of his third missionary journey, before delivering the collection to Jerusalem. The Roman community comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers; the expulsion of Jews under Emperor Claudius (c. AD 49) and their later return are often cited as background. Paul states his intention to visit Rome on his way to Spain.