Before we simply drop into the middle of Romans and dive into chapter 8, a little context would be more than helpful. This week we will spend some time in the whole of the book of Romans to best understand why chapter 8 is such good news. This letter, delivered by Phoebe to the network of house churches in Rome, contains theology that is aimed at two competing factions within the Roman church. The "weak" Jewish believers maintain a sense of pride in their heritage and observance of Torah practice such as circumcision and kosher eating. While the "strong" Gentile believers reject such requirements and maintain their own pride in their status and wealth. Yet, in this powerful letter, the Apostle Paul insists that they are both wrong. All power and privilege has been forfeited and both groups stand in need of God’s redeeming covenant love. God has fully revealed Himself and His plan in Jesus the Messiah, who has invited both groups into the way of faith and love in Him as a new family.