Paul sent Titus to the churches to start a collection on behalf of the Christians in Judea who were in financial difficulties. He wanted the Corinthians to be generous as other churches had been and to be prepared to give the offering having collected it over several weeks. Jesus is the motivation for Christian giving.

Paul gives four guidelines as to how to give financially to the Kingdom of God. He then gives greeting mentioning some of those with him who are part of his team of workers.

Paul had had many dramatic events and experiences in his life but trusted God to control every part of his life. The church is praised for its generosity to Paul and God’s mission.

Paul travels to Jerusalem for a second time to ensure he is preaching the right gospel to the Gentiles following criticism from Jewish believers who are undermining his preaching and questioning his authority. Peter and the other apostles agree with Paul and remind him to remember the poor, as the Gentiles did not share that concern in their societies.

In the light of God’s mercy shown to Jews and Gentiles, we should respond by living our lives wholly committed to God. our behaviour and thinking will change.

Following the general statements of the last episode, Paul gives detailed teaching about the practicalities of serving God. It should be done with humility, faith and love. He lists several gifts of the Holy spirit to build up the church.

Following on Jesus' teaching, Paul also encourages the Christian community to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. Our neighbour is people in the church community who need help which we can give. He introduces a sense of urgency in the light of the Second Coming of Jesus and the question of how we have used our opportunities.

Paul greets a long list of co-workers in Rome and urges them to welcome Phoebe who is probably the courier for the letter to the Romans. There is evidence of team work throughout Paul’s ministry.

The importance of the Jews is explained despite having been unfaithful to god and rejecting the Messiah. The Law of Moses and circumcision are not enough to save the Jews. They need the gospel, too. Double standards are condemned.

After receiving a kind welcome in Malta there is an openness to the Gospel which comes about by miracles of healing.