Paul's Letter to the Roman church was written in the mid-to-late 50s C.E.. It was probably written at Corinth and is considered to be one of his strongest theological annunciations of the gospel (good news!) message of Jesus the Christ (Messiah).

Romans 1:10 (NLT)
One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you.

- Knowing as we do, how Paul's trip to Rome would eventually come about, this as an example of the tongue-in-cheek adage to "be careful what you pray for!"

Romans 1:17 (NLT)
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith.

- The heart of the Christian message truly is good news to everone who is bound up in religious prescriptions, institutions, and practices that strive to put the power of salvation into our hands instead of God's. What a relief to realize that The One who loves us perfectly holds our future in his hands alone!

Romans 1:20 (NLT)
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

- Many early Christian scholars actually referred to the created universe around us as a "second scripture." Early scientists often explored reality and our existence as another way to discover the mind of God.

Romans 1:21 (NLT)
Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.

- This entire section obviously applies to some people in Paul's era, but it is timeless. This passage describes human beings to one degree or another since the very beginning until now.