Paul's Letter to the Romans

It's been said that, ?an historian making a list of the factors most influential in the development of west-ern civilization would do well to include Paul's Epistle to the Romans along with the invention of gun powder, the rise of nationalism, and the discov-ery of atomic energy.? While in today's secularized society, few would likely agree to the above assess-ment. In terms of legitimate historical impact, the importance of Paul's Romans letter can't be over-stated. From the Church Fathers to Augustine and Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin, the influence of this ancient correspondence is remarka-ble. As recent as Karl Barth's commentary in the 19th century, humanity's most significant conversa-tions have tended to touch on the ideas and wisdom of the Apostle Paul. A man who was less original in his thought than an elaborator on what he had learned from Jesus and His disciples.