Heidegger's Bible Handbook: Romans: Occasion for Writing

9. What special occasion did Saint Paul have for writing?

Moreover, the particular occasion for writing was furnished, both by the faith of the Romans, spoken of in all the world, Romans 1:8, which accordingly Paul undertakes to confirm:and by the emulation that appears to have come between the Jews and the Gentiles, with the former glorying in the prerogative of the covenant, harping on the righteousness of the law, and despising the Gentiles:with the latter carrying themselves against the Jews as rejected, and behaving more than a little insultingly, indeed boasting of their own virtues and κατορθώματα, worthy deeds, and abusing Christian liberty.