Paul Wrote Romans

Reasons Paul might have written Romans – Various scholars have several theories on why Paul wrote Romans. Some think Paul wrote Romans to address his theology. Paul may be thinking about the trip to Jerusalem he is planning and may be rehearsing the arguments he would use in Jerusalem. "Thus Paul writes to Rome but his 'secret addresses' are the Jerusalem Christians, for Paul's remarks to Rome are more fitting for the situation he will face in Jerusalem than for an unknown (to Paul) situation in Rome." (Soards, 1987, p. 100) Other scholars think Paul wrote Romans to address problems of the Roman church, such as issues between the Jews and the Gentiles. After the Jewish Christians were banished from Rome by Claudius the Jewish Christians took over leadership of the church. When the Jewish Christians were later allowed to return, there was controversy over who would lead the church. Still others believe Paul wrote Romans to prepare the church for his upcoming visit. "From what Paul writes, perhaps one should understand that he wished to use Rome as a base in the West much as he had used Antioch in the East, another church he did not found." (Soards, 1987, p. 101) Paul discusses issues that have evoked past controversy in order to garner support from the Romans prior to his arrival in Rome and also asks for the Romans' prayers.
Romans is unique among Paul's letters, because it is the first letter written to a church which Paul or his colleagues did not start. Paul had never paid a visit to the Christians in Rome. The tone of the letter is more neutral and reserved than in his other letters where the tone was more disturbed.
Romans was probably written in the mid-to-late AD 50s. "Romans was written late in Paul’s life, be...

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...Christians in Romans. God has a purpose when he creates belief in some and unbelief in others. "For in the same way that you [Gentiles] were once disobedient to God but now have experienced mercy through their [Israel's] disobedience, thus also they now have been disobedient because of the mercy given to you in order that they may receive mercy." (Rom 11:30-31). God's ultimate plan for humanity is to have mercy on all. "God hardened part of Israel to save all the Gentiles so that ultimately all Israel will be saved." (Soards, 1987, p. 108)
Paul offers advice to the Roman Church. He says that Christians should not boast and are to live a life of service. Because the end is near, Christians should not be self-centered. Paul called on Romans to be civically responsible. Paul discusses Christian relations and tolerance with regards to "the strong" and "the weak".