Today's reading introduces us to the Pauline letter that arguably has had more influence on the development of biblical theology and the growth of the church than any other New Testament document. Think only of Augustine's encounter with Romans in the garden at Milan, or Luther's reading of Romans in an Augustinian monastery in Wittenberg, or Wesley listening to a reading of Luther's preface to Romans in Aldersgate Street or the first edition of Karl Barth's Romerbrief rocking the theological world early in this century, and one quickly realizes that this theological tractate is something special.

Verses 1-7 are a part of a larger section (vv.1-15) which comprise the prologue to the letter. This salutation is followed by an introduction of the theme in verses 8-15, which is followed by the…