As I’m busy translating a german article, in preparation for a German test at Asbury…the article I’m translating has been fascinating.  The article’s main thesis is that since Paul was in Corinth writing Romans, why would he not discuss the letter with the Corinthian community?  Furthermore, Thiessen and Hartwig argue that Paul continues themes from the Corinthian correspondance in the letter to the Romans.  I’m pretty convinced of the first part of the thesis (although its only a possibility), the second part is still working on me…

Here is a good paragraph summing up part of Thiessen and Hartwig’s thesis:

“Finally it gives the possibility of “secondary” oral communication by writing the Roman letter in the Corinthian community.  The community who knew well, that Paul wrote a long letter to the Romans.  They had a high respect for his letters (2 Cor. 10:10).  Although some had missed his rhetorical brilliance and wisdom.  Paul affirms for that reason in 1 Cor 2:6: “among the mature we do speak wisdom.”  In Romans he is now presenting a letter, because of a high intellectual level a way to impress the “Wise.” Paul had a reason to read this letter to the Corinthians, before it is sent to Rome (and Ephesus?). Whether it really did, we of course are not able to know. ” pg. 232

From: Die korinthische Gemeinde als Nebenadressat des Römerbriefs. Eigentextreferenzen des Paulus und Kommunikativer Kontext des längsten Paulusbriefes