In the present section Paul returns to matters of personal interest which he broached at the beginning of the epistle (1:8–15). Romans 1:8–15 and 15:14–33 are the only two sections of the epistle which might be called autobiographical. Although they fall outside Paul’s main argument, they provide vital information about his reasons for writing. Both sections attest to the apostle’s longstanding desire to visit Rome (1:10, 13; 15:22–24, 28, 32) and to bring his readers a spiritual blessing (1:11–13; 15:29). Both bear witness to his commission as apostle to the Gentiles and to his desire to present them obedient in faith to God (1:5, 14; 15:15–17). And in both he presents himself united with and dependent on the prayers of believers in Rome (1:9–10; 15:30–31).

What stands before us is an el…