Here are some key points that support this dating:
* Paul's missionary journeys: Romans was written during Paul's ministry in Corinth, after his second missionary journey but before his third. He mentions in the book that he plans to travel to Rome (Romans 15:22-24), which aligns with the timeline of his journeys.
* Historical context: Paul mentions the collection being taken for the poor in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-27). This collection likely took place in 55 AD, which would put the writing of Romans around that time.
* Internal evidence: The book itself contains hints about the time of its writing, such as Paul's mention of the "present distress" (Romans 8:18), which likely refers to the persecution faced by Christians in Rome at the time.
However, some scholars argue for an earlier or later date, ranging from the late 50s to early 60s AD. This debate primarily centers around the interpretation of internal evidence within the book and the historical context of Paul's ministry.
Overall, while the exact date of writing remains debated, the majority of scholars agree that the book of Romans was written between 55 and 57 AD.