All this is true, and it moves us forward from the very general first explanation. It recognizes the significance of Rome at the heart of the Gentile world. But again it is too general. Why write this particular letter, expounding these doctrines in this way to this church at this time? And when he applies these doctrines to them in the letter, why apply them in the particular ways that he does? This explanation is still too general. While some things are worth saying to any church, Paul gives us