The purpose of this brief exposition is to make a little more plain to modern readers the meaning and permanent values of a letter written by Saint Paul to certain residents of ancient Rome. Probably this epistle should be regarded as the supreme masterpiece of the great apostle. It is a marvel of intellectual acumen, of logical power, and of spiritual insight. However, it was first intended, not for the philosophers of the imperial city, nor for the savants of the schools, nor for the circle of Caesar's household, but for the members of an infant Christian church, composed largely of slaves and freedmen, recently delivered from a degrading heathenism and from the bondage of pagan superstitions. Therefore, in spite of its depth and its difficulties, it has been bringing light and strength to persons of widely differing degrees of intelligence through all the succeeding centuries. To none has its guidance been more grateful than to those troubled by the problems and perplexities of modern thought; for the gospel of Christ, which it sets forth, is still the sweetest music ever heard upon earth, the most powerful message proclaimed among men, the most precious treasure intrusted to the people of God.