Paul uses strong language to condemn anything that takes away from the power of the gospel which comes from faith in the cross of Jesus Christ alone. He uses the imagery of running a race and baking bread to make his points.

Paul believed that many Christians did not live their new life fully in the power of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are obliged to please God. a radical change has been made in that now we are God’s children and can call him, Our Father. We are adopted into God’s family and are joint heirs with Jesus.

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.

Paul uses several stories form the Old Testament to illustrate God’s choices which divided the nation right from the beginning. God chooses to show mercy to some and also chooses who to use for his purposes.

Paul gives his testimony to King Agrippa, Festus and others. They react against what he tells them but do not think he has done anything illegal but Paul has claimed the right to be tried by Caesar.

Jesus told this parable which would have been easily understood, to teach about readiness for the Second Coming.

The Pharisees ask a question about the greatest law but Jesus' answer was generally accepted by the Jews. He asks them a question about the divinity of the son of David which they cannot answer.

Sadducees, who did not believe in the afterlife, tried to trick Jesus with a hypothetical question. Using the Old Testament, Jesus responded and taught about the afterlife.

Although Jesus plainly predicts his death and resurrection, the disciples - illustrated here by James and John - do not yet understand what he means. They have OT teaching and their own expectations.

Jesus shows that children are important in the Kingdom and includes them in the same way he includes others on the fringes of society. Adults can learn from children.