“For I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel”

Dr. Constantinou continues her study of Romans. Paul was free to communicate with the Church of Rome since it had no apostolic founder (he was "not building on another man's foundation"). But did the absence of an apostolic presence create a specific need that Paul felt called to fulfill for the Church of Rome? As we continue in chapter 1, we will encounter St. Paul's "thesis statement" for this epistle: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel." Why does Paul feel the need to begin his discussion with such a surprising statement? Were the Roman Christians ashamed of the gospel? And if so, why?