Paul is making some concluding comments and having finished his argument about legalism, he wants to be practical in terms of helping the Galatians become mature in their churches.

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.

In seeking to build up the church, Paul addresses the vulnerability of the church to opposition. As Christians we should rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. We should not seek to revenge opposition but be kind to those who persecute us.

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 opprtunities.

Paul addresses Christian community living which is of secondary importance but could cause division. he calls those who have need to have more rules as weak in terms of faith. He advises respect and understanding and a concern for one’s own behaviour rather than criticism of others.

Paul gives further teaching about food and hospitality in the Christian community. These are secondary issues but the Kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace and joy.

Paul uses the image of the olive tree to explain how because of their unbelief, many Jews have been separated from the purposes of God and gentiles have been grafted into those purposes. He predicts a time when the Jewish nation will be fully included at a future time.

Paul challenges the idea that there are some good, and some bad, people. He addresses those who judge others and says they are hypocrites. God will not judge people according to what they have done but rather the righteousness that comes by faith.

Paul explains how Abraham is an example of faith for every believer, Jew or Gentile. Justification is by faith is not just a beginning but a continuing process that goes on through life. Circumcision is a symbol - it does not save.

In Caesarea, Paul is imprisoned. The High Priest, Tertullus and other Jews come to accuse in the legal court. Paul defends himself. Felix the Governor, hesitates to make a decision and Paul is kept in prison for two years.