Romans, Letter to The The longest and—since the Reformation—most theologically controversial of Paul’s letters. Romans often is regarded as Paul’s fullest expression of his theology, with key passages addressing many overlapping themes, including:

• sin and judgment (1:18–3:20; 7:7–25);

• righteousness (3:1–4:12; 5:17–21; 6:15–20; 9:30–10:13);

• salvation (3:21–26; 5:1–11; 6:1–7:6; 8:1–39);

• faith (3:21–4:25);

• the death and resurrection of Christ (3:21–26; 5:6–21; 6:1–11; 8:1–4);

• the law (3:27–4:25; 7:7–25);

• the Holy Spirit (8:1–27);

• the role and status of Israel (9:1–11:36); and

• obedience and self-sacrificial love (12:1–15:13).

Romans most likely was written during the mid- to late ad 50s and was sent from Corinth. Most scholars contend that the churches in Rome that received the letter were predominantly Gentile with a Jewish minority, although the ethnic composition is a key point of debate (see below: “Recipients”). Other scholarly topics include Paul’s reason for writing Romans (see below: “Purpose”), the letter’s original form (see below: “Integrity of the Letter”), and its support for the doctrine of justification by faith (see below: “Ongoing Debate over Justification in Romans”).