Paul planned to visit the Christians in Rome, and he wanted to get them ready to receive him. He said his purpose was to "bring about the obedience of faith" (16:26).
In this letter Paul most fully described the gospel of Jesus Christ. He explained that both Jews and non-Jews have sinned, and God will forgive them and declare them righteous only if they believe in Jesus (chapters 1-11). Then he gave them practical advice for how believers should live (chapters 12-16).