The Roman Church had been for some time in existence when Paul wrote his epistle (see ch. i. 8, 10, 12, 13; xv.23). That he was acquainted with many of its members appears from the salutations in the sixteenth chapter. In Acts xxviii. 15, the existence of the Church is assumed as well known, and the company which meets the apostle at Appii Forum has clearly the character of a deputation. The date and circumstances of the origin and organization of the Church cannot, however, be certainly determined.