Outline:

The Problem---------------------------------------------- 1

Introduction--------------------------------------------- 3

I. Methodology and the theses used----------- 5

II. Form: Epistolary analysis--------------------- 8

A. Analysis on Pauline Epistles, Other NT Letters and Selected Letters of the Apostolic Fathers----- 8

1. The Analysis on the Opening Formulae-------- 8

1. The Identification of Sender---------------- 8
2. Designation of Recipient-------------------- 10
3. Greeting ------------------------------------ 11

B. Comparative Analysis of Greek and Christian Epistles with Special Attention to Romans 1:1-18 ---------------------------------------------------------15

1. The Analysis on the Opening Formulae ------ 15

1. The Identification of Sender---------------- 15
2. Designation of Recipient-------------------- 16
3. Greeting ------------------------------------ 18

3. Conclusion ------------------------------------------- 23　

III. Structure ------------------------------------------- 24

1. Structure Analysis----------------------------------- 24

1. Form: Epistolary analysis-------------------- 25

1. Structure: Literary and Theological Analysis ------------------------------ 27

1. What are the functions and roles of the opening section and thanksgiving?------27
2. What are the extent, theological connections and functions of the theme (1:16-17/18)? How is it related to the whole book?------------------------------28
3. What is the relationship of chaps. 1-4, and 5-8? How they are connected? ---- 37
4. What is the relationship of chaps. 1-8, and 9-11? ------------------------------- 43
5. How is the paraenesis structured and what is its relationship with the other parts of the book? ---------------------- 46

IV. Conclusion---------------------------------------------- 54

Bibliography------------------------------------------------ 55

Appendix I: Summary of Rhetorical Analysis on Pauline Epistles------------------ 76

Appendix II: The Transfer model seen in 5:12-8:17---- 81