NOTES for Rom 1:1-15
What Paul's preaching contains is fundamentally new for all his listeners, yet Paul does not regard the content of his letter to Rome as something wholly original and without roots in tradition. Paul's ministry is a continuation of the preaching of the ancient prophets; therefore, for all the radical newness of his words, they disclose the meaning of what was proclaimed before. Naturally, they disclose it in the light of Christ's coming into the world—Christ who was foretold by the prophets and is now at the center both of Paul's life and of his preaching.
But first of all Paul thanks God for the brothers whose faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. The Roman brothers are not passive objects of the pedagogical efforts of Paul or anyone else; they labor, proclaiming the Gospel and serving Christ. The Church is built up by the common labor of all the faithful—both apostles and “ordinary” brothers—and the Church in turn builds up the unity of the faithful. That is why Paul speaks of a common faith, not only his own or someone else's.