How far had the gospel spread by the time Paul wrote Romans?
By the time Paul wrote Romans, the gospel had spread throughout the then-known world, which was largely the Roman Empire. It had penetrated from Great Britain in the west, across both shores of the Mediterranean Sea, to possibly the Ganges River in India, as far as Rome extended.
Les explains that at the time Paul wrote Romans, the Roman Empire was essentially the then-known world. He believed Paul's gospel had already penetrated from Great Britain in the west, across both shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and as far out as the Ganges River in India, since that was the extent of the Roman Empire. Paul could thank God that the Roman believers' faith was spoken of throughout the whole world, even though Rome was pagan and transportation was slow.
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.