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 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’.

Paul outlines his conversion experience and his calling from Jesus himself. This is to demonstrate his authority to preach the gospel. He explains his visit to the Apostles in Jerusalem and how they supported him in his ministry to the Gentiles.

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, under guard travelled by ship to Puteoli and then by road to Rome. Groups of Christians met him along the way which encouraged him. He spoke to the Jews in the synagogue where a few believed and then spent time under house arrest speaking without hindrance. Acts 1:8 has been fulfilled.

Paul and his companions met with James and other leaders of the church in Jerusalem. Paul was asked to perform a Jewish ritual to please those Jewish Christians who followed Jewish laws. In the Temple, Jews from Asia Minor stirred up a riot against Paul in which Roman soldiers intervened.

An issue arose about the need for Gentiles to become Jews as part of being Christians , including the act of male circumcision. The Council of Jerusalem was convened and it was agreed that this was not right. guidance was given to the gentile believers to help them separate themselves from pagan rites.

On his return to Jerusalem, Peter had to defend what had happened in Caesarea to the believers. He did this by recounting the event and explaining that God's Holy Spirit had come on the Gentiles, too.

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household are the first Gentiles to become Christians, having their own experience of the Holy Spirit blessing them and being baptised. Peter has to break away from Jewish traditions in order to follow God's leading.

As the Gospel is preached by Philip in Samaria, many become Christians. Peter and John, from the church in Jerusalem, confirm their place in God's Kingdom and lay hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit - a Samaritan Pentecost.