The book of Romans was written around 57-58 AD. Paul was writing to the Church of Rome from Corinth. He had long wanted to go to Rome to preach the Gospel of Christ. Paul was a Roman citizen and felt close to his fellow Romans. The occasion for writing was the apostle's desire to work in the great city, a desire which had hitherto been hindered, and the opportunity was provided by Phoebe's departure. from Corinth to Rome. Still firm in his intention to see and preach in Rome, a letter to the Church would tend to prepare the way. (Johnson) This letter is placed first in the order of the epistles, although it was probably written in fifth position. It is correctly placed because it is the most extensive and complete exposition of the central truths of the New Testament. It will perhaps be useful to some of my readers to give the chronological order of the epistles: and first those which are certain: 1 and 2 Thessalonians; 1 and 2 Corinthians; Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians and Philemon; the last four that Paul wrote while he was a prisoner. (Darby) Paul expounded his revelation of the great doctrines of grace which God had given him. This epistle brings together all humanity under the umbrella of a unique and inclusive “saving grace.” We are all found guilty and find our justification by faith alone. The atoning work of Jesus is covered and explained as the basis of this provision of grace. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is explained as well as the need for all Christians to live a life of dedicated service. There is strong internal evidence that the Apostle Paul is the author of this epistle. We also have testimonies from historians about the time when this epistle was written. This epistle defines the doctrine of faith and grace. Jesus is the only way to salvation and...... middle of paper ......John Nelson. Translation by Darby. WORDsearch Corp. Database © 2007WORDsearch Corp. Dunn, James D. The Theology of the Apostle Paul. Grand Rapids. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 1998. PrintHodge, Charles DD, LL.D. Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans. WORDsearch Corp. Database © 2005 WORDsearch Corp. Jamieson, Robert; Fausset, AR; Brown, David. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary. WORDsearch Corp. Database © 2007 WORDsearch Corp. Johnson, BW The People's New Testament. WORDsearch Corp. Database © 2008 WORDsearch Corp. King James Version. The Holy Bible. The Nelson Company, 2004. Print MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Student Bible. Nashville. A. Thomas Nelson, 2000. Print “Pauline Epistles I”. Wikipedia.org. 2011. Internet. March 28, 2011. Schaff, Philip. History of the Christian Church. WORDsearch Corp. Database © 2007 WORDsearch Corp..