In the 2nd week of our series in the book of Romans, we see Paul longing to go to Rome.  We discover why he has this longing, because of his mission in life given to us in verse 5, to bring about the obedience of faith among all the gentiles for the sake of God’s name.  Even though he did not plant this church and knows only a few of them, he loves them and longs to go and encourage them.  Part of Paul’s longing comes from his understanding that he is a debtor to them.  He has the gospel and knows how it can powerfully work to transform lives and so he owes it to them to go and share it with them.  Because of the gospel’s power, he is therefore not ashamed of it and longs to see those in Rome.