3. The collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (8-9). Paul here speaks of the liberality of the Macedonian churches and the work of Titus who is sent to forward the contributions. 4. Paul's vindication of his authority as an apostle (10:1-13:10). He has been attacked in his person, character, and teaching by parties in the Corinthian church who would overthrow his authority and ruin the church. These four chapters are a magnificent setting forth of his apostolic claims. (a) His power and glory are not in his bodily presence or his letters but in the spiritual might of God. (b) His preaching is the pure gospel of Christ. In bodily labor, trials, and persecutions he has excelled them all (ch. 11). (c) He has the highest qualifications (in visions and revelations) but he will glory only in his infirmities. His object is not to boast but to put an end to the disorders in the church. (d) The Apostle declares his intention to visit the church. By the power of Christ he will not spare the evil. His desire is only for righteousness. 5. Farewell greetings and messages (13:11-14). THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS +The Church at Rome.+--When and by whom this church was founded it is not known. It is thought that the "strangers of Rome" (Acts 2:10), who were present at the day of Pentecost when the great manifestation of the Holy Spirit took place, carried back the good news and that this was the beginning of the church. It was composed of both Jews and Gentiles for Paul addresses both classes (Rom. 1:13; 9:24; 11:13; 2:17; 4:1; 9:13; 7:1; 9:1-5). This church seems to have made rapid progress (1:8). Paul was evidently acquainted with some of the Roman Christians (16:3-15). +Occasion and Purpose.+--This Epistle grew out of a desire on the part of Paul to see Rome (Acts 19:21; Rom. 1:11; 15:24-28). As this would be his first visit it was no more than a courteous act that he should write to the church of this intention. Again as the Christians in Rome might have heard false and distorted reports of the gospel which he preached, Paul takes care to clearly and logically set forth the principles and doctrines which he was teaching. This letter then becomes very important as the summing up of the experience and teaching of many years of service in the cause of Jesus Christ. +Place and Time+.--This Epistle was in all probability written from Corinth during Paul's stay there in the course of his third missionary journey 58 A.D. (compare Acts 19:21; 20:1-3; Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14; 2 Tim. 4:20). +Central Thought.+--The theme is justification by faith and not by works. There are four main positions. First, All are guilty before God. Second, All need a Savior. Third, Christ died for all. Fourth, We are all (through faith) one body in Him. The thought may be put in other ways, but all to the same purpose. The doctrine of sin, and the doctrine of grace; or the universality of sin and the universality of grace.