The leadership of a church is very important. It includes apostles, pastors and teachers, evangelists and prophets. All are under the authority of the original Apostles through Scripture.

Paul continues his teaching about Christian family life and discipleship. He teaches both the children and their fathers and also both slaves and their masters. Being a Christian affects the whole of life.

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.