Paul explains that the old covenant has been replaced by the new covenant in Jesus. The Law of Moses with its rules and priesthood was given for that time and only for Jews. The new covenant is for all and is based on a new relationship with God as its foundation through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Paul clarified his travel plans and his desire to visit the church and overcome the relationship difficulty he was experiencing with the church. He emphasised that in contrast God always keeps his promises and is faithful which he had taught them through the scriptures.

There were many divisions in the Corinthian church which became obvious at their celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Paul addressed this by referring back to how Jesus set up the sacrament of Communion.

Paul taught that the Church should be a place that welcomed people of all tribes and nations. In his day, there was a separation of Jews from Gentiles which had to be overcome. The Church is described as a building, a family and a temple.

Paul appeals to the Galatians not to follow the zealous Jewish teachers. He reminds them of their care and honour for him when he was with them even though he was ill. Paul uses the Old testament story of Ishmael and Isaac to illustrate that the Galatians belonged to the new covenant, not the old.

Paul continues to explain that the covenant made with Abraham is the foundation of faith whereas the Law of Moses has become obsolete. He explains the importance of the Law to highlight sin that separates us from God. Now all are equal in God’s sight if they have faith in Jesus.

Paul greets the churches in Galatia, highlighting his calling and authority. He immediately starts to address the problem that has arisen - other Jewish teachers have undermined the gospel and taught ‘another gospel’.

Having encouraged the Roman Christians to be sensitive and kind to each other, Paul encourages them to have a long-term commitment to Jesus. He explains that the Old Testament is full of encouraging examples of faith. He traces the purpose of God to start with the Jewish nation and then to bring in the Gentiles to the faith.

Writing to those who knew the Law of Moses, Paul uses the example of marriage to demonstrate the breaking of the law that binds a woman to a man when the man dies. The same radical change is made for Christians who are in a new relationship with God.

Paul is aware of tensions between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians in the church in Rome and some of the Gentiles questioning the importance of the Jews at that time. Paul explains the Jewish historical heritage which remains important. Jesus, the Messiah was a Jew and Paul himself.