Paul's concern in Romans

Peter Dray has had me thinking about Romans. I always think the beginning and end of a book are the best bits to find out the author's concerns, and when I looked at Romans sure enough the first and last few sentences contain several similar themes. I think it's likely that the same themes found at both the beginning and end of the letter they will continue throughout the book.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

[...]

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

(Romans 1:1-6; 16:25-27)

So here are themes I see in both the beginning and end:

• Paul teaches the true gospel ('a servant of Christ Jesus...'; 'my gospel').
• The gospel is about Jesus ('concerning his son'; 'the preaching of Jesus Christ').
• Gospel was promised in the OT ('promised beforehand through his prophets'; 'through the prophetic writings').
• Mission is to 'all nations' (i.e. including the gentiles).
• The goal of mission is 'the obedience of faith'.
• The ultimate goal of mission is God's glory ('for the sake of his name'; 'to the only wise God be glory').

Things that only occur in one or the other:

• Jesus was descended from David.
• Jesus was declared to be Son of God by resurrection.
• Roman church is called to belong to Jesus.
• God will strengthen the Roman church.
• Mystery (of God's purposes for the gentiles) has been revealed.
• God is the only wise one.

So in summary I think Paul has two main concerns in writing Romans.

1. Justify himself and his gospel against his detractors, principally by showing it is rooted in the OT.
2. Encourage the Romans to get behind his mission to all nations - in particular Spain (15:24) - by showing them God's plan for the gentiles.

I don't think that will surprise many, but never mind - novelty is not the goal.