New title in the highly acclaimed "Hermeneia" series, this work explores the important and controversial passages within Romans. This is the first commentary to interpret Romans within the imperial context as well as in the light of the situation in Spain. It includes fresh insights from the: archaeology of the city of Rome; social history of early Christianity; social-scientific work on early Christianity; and, interpretation and reception of Paul's letter through the ages. It focuses on Paul's missionary plans and how his letter reframes the system of honour and shame as it informed life in the Roman empire at the time. Written by a European author, it is a landmark commentary.