ling with a
certain evil in the previous Epistle. He also vindicates
his spiritual ministry. He declares his love for the church
and its spiritual advancement. He also declares that he
has put off his visit to Corinth that he might not come in
sorrow. He rejoices in the good news brought by Titus.
While he is weak in body, the power is of God and the
ministry is a communication of the Spirit. He asserts
that he is sustained by the hope of the future life. He
earnestly exhorts the church to receive and live the gospel
which he preached to them, for separation from the world
and unity with God. In chapter seven he rejoices that
they have received his words so well.

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
d