he scope or design of the apostle in writing to the Romans
appears to have been, to answer the unbelieving, and to teach
the believing Jew; to confirm the Christian and to convert the
idolatrous Gentile; and to show the Gentile convert as equal
with the Jewish, in respect of his religious condition, and his
rank in the Divine favour. These several designs are brought
into on view, by opposing or arguing with the infidel or
unbelieving Jew, in favour of the Christian or believing
Gentile. The way of a sinner's acceptance with God, or
justification in his sight, merely by grace, through faith in
the righteousness of Christ, without distinction of nations, is
plainly stated. This doctrine is cleared from the objections
raised by Judaizing Christians, who were for making terms of
acceptance with God by a mixture of the law and the gospel, and
for shutting out the Gentiles from any share in the blessings of
salvation brought in by the Messiah. In the conclusion, holiness
is further enforced by practical exhortations.