Paul's Epistle to the Romans: John Murray (#9): Romans 1.6-7

Πρῶτον μὲν εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου = "I am continually giving thanks to my God." The force of the present, continuous tense is not noted by Prof. Murray, but we note it. The present, continuous action of Paul's prayer life of gratitude for the effectual calling of the beloved saints in Rome, founded without any known apostolic involvements. If we date the Pentecost sermon c. 33 AD in Acts 2, and if the Roman church was founded by newly converted Christians (?) then or a few years later, we have about 25ish years between the founding of the Church of Rome and this epistle. The Church at Rome had become famous for the ἡ πίστις, the faith.

What occurred between Pentecost of 33ish AD and 58 AD? We can only muse here rather than postulate much more. Election and effectual calling has been in effect as Jesus executes the decrees of the eternal counsel of redemption. This is church history, NT introduction, Pauline theology, involving OT studies, systematic theology, practical theology and contemporary theology.

Recommended: John Murray's "Redemption, Accomplished and Applied."