What was the primary purpose of Paul's letter to the Romans?

The primary purpose of Paul's letter to the Romans was indeed to pave his way for an upcoming visit and to establish a missionary base. Paul wrote this letter to introduce himself to the Roman Christians and to provide a comprehensive explanation of his gospel message, emphasizing its implications for both Jews and Gentiles. By articulating his theological insights and the foundation of his teachings, he aimed to garner support and solidarity from the Roman Church for his missionary endeavors, particularly when he planned to travel to Spain afterward.

This letter serves as a vital part of Paul's strategy to unite the diverse congregation in Rome under a shared understanding of the Christian faith. While other options reflect aspects of his broader concerns and context, they do not capture the overarching goal of solidifying his relationship with the Christians in Rome as a precursor to his future ministry there.