The first part (refer to 1 : 1 to 32): firstly we are reminded about Paul, his position as an apostle and also about what he intends to tell the people of Rome (hence the name). Paul does not set his limit to include only the Jewish people, rather he wants the Gentiles to take note as well! Paul also tells us about what stopped him from getting to the capital city of Italy sooner than he did as well (not to mention the fact that Paul implies that Jesus' human bloodline derives from David). As we progress past verse 16, we read that Paul is not ashamed of his gospel because it has a powerful impact on some people. After verse 18 we see that Paul is not shy to tell the Roman people about the wrath of God. Basically some people had taken the whole concept of God (who exists within infinite simplicity) and made it into something finite and potent (an idol). From the aforementioned point on-wards Paul makes reference to Solomon (who overtook David as king, some say Solomon was very wise), therefore allowing Paul to draw upon the nature of unnatural sexual behavioral problems and how that can result in an unhealthy frame of mind. Paul also opposes the worship of deity-type idols (which were apparently common in ancient Rome); although Paul does advocate that righteousness from God causes itself to be distinct from the law - the law from which the prophets seek their reason to testify from (and he also alerts us about the legacy of Jesus Christ!).
The second part (refer to 2 : 1 to 4): furthermore to the point, here we read Paul calling out to the Jewish people who are hypocritical of others. Some argue that Paul was not really writing to the Jews per say but was rather addressing a "typical and boastful person." (read up on Stanley Stowers for more on that).
However from chapters 5 to 11 we are basically reassured about the concept of salvation from our original sin. Paul also writes about the casting away of Israel and the conditions that will cause Israel to once again be God's chosen nation.
Moreover, from chapters 12 to 15 we read upon the point of believers being transformed. Paul declares that as a result of the crucifixion of Christ the believers will be "dead to the law." Paul also tells us that living a Christian lifestyle in the most stereotypical, quintessential way possible (i.e. frequently studying scripture instead of giving into the procrastination that results from the urge to find yourself playing computer games or checking Facebook; you should be going to church etc...) will leave us with no desire to ever want to commit a sin, by definition. It is also stated that the law has dominion over man for as long as he lives - arguably it does if it extends from God, the thing greater than all things conceivable as not everybody would feel obligated to follow a law not implemented by something absolute and personal (even the thieves make their excuses when they steal, have you noticed that?). The opposing viewpoint here is relative morality whereby comparing moral codes is like comparing foods or films, but that is self-refuting and I write that because an individual feels the need to hold such an opinion - and that is an absolute! If the law (or rather condition or parameter) extends from people then you only feel obligated to follow it if doing x gets you y and you desire y (read up on Kant's theory of the hypothetical imperative if the philosophy here is pulling you in!!!).
In the conclusion (refer to 15 : 14 to 16 : 27) Paul notifies us of his travel agenda, his greetings and also about his salutations. It should be noted that woman (approx. one third of the 21 Christians identified here) had an important role to play from within the church in Rome at that time. It was also interesting to see that Paul made no reference to Saint Peter (he was apparently the Pope at this time), and some theologians think that this was due to an incident that occurred at Antioch between Paul and Saint Peter!
So I hope you enjoyed that and I also hope that it entices you to read the book of Romans!
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