Paul the Apostle had not been to Rome at the time of his letter, but he wanted to introduce himself and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. F. F. Bruce says that Romans, "deserves to be called 'The Gospel According to Paul'" (p. 21 of his commentary on Romans.) The church in Rome may have started at Pentecost because Romans were visiting Jerusalem (Acts 2:10). In his introduction Paul described himself as a bondslave of Christ and as one of His apostles who was called to share the gospel. He then tells us that God's plan was to send His Son, who was a descendant of King David, and who was the Son of God. Since Jesus came and died on the cross and rose again, believers in Jesus are also called to obedience, are saints, and are loved.
