Conflict and Identity in RomansWhat is the purpose of Paul's letter to the Romans? Esler provides an illuminating analysis of this epistle, employing social scientific methods along with epigraphy and archaeology. His conclusion is that the apostle Paul was attempting to facilitate the resolution of intergroup conflict among the Christ followers of Rome, especially between Judeans and non Judeans, and to establish a new identity for them by developing a form of group categorization