When did Paul write Romans and when did he arrive in Rome?
Paul wrote Romans around AD 60, while he had not yet visited Rome. He did not arrive in Rome until AD 63. The Roman congregation had been established by other Gentile believers, not by Paul, and he longed to see them and impart spiritual gifts.
Les explains that when Paul wrote Romans, it was about AD 60, and he would not get to Rome until AD 63. Paul was writing from another point in the Empire, looking forward to the day he would reach Rome. The Roman congregation had been established by the witness of other Gentile believers, not by Paul. Paul acknowledged he had never been to Rome, but he still longed to see them, impart a spiritual gift, and have fruit among them. He was a man of prayer and a debtor to Greeks and barbarians, ready to preach the gospel in Rome also.
Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.