Paul addresses an argument between two women in the church and encourages them to resolve the issue. Worship is highlighted. He mentions the need to meet conflict and anxiety with prayer.

After encouraging the church to rejoice, Paul warns against the ‘Judaizers’ who want to add rules and regulations from the Old Testament to salvation.

The church in Philippi was founded by Paul and he had a good relationship with them. They had helped him and he is thankful for them.

Paul teaches the Galatians to live following the lead of the Holy Spirit and not by the rules and regulations of the Jews and not by the way of ‘the flesh’. He speaks of the Holy Spirit walking alongside the Christian disciple.

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 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.

Jesus uses the metaphor of childbirth to describe the pain and joy the disciples are going to experience. He seeks to reassure them ahead of the events of his death, resurrection and ascension.

Jesus uses an easily understood metaphor to describe the relationship between his disciples and himself. He warns of opposition, too.

This is the third in the series of parables. The sinners, Jewish authorities and God, the Father are all present. These people are listening. God welcomes all who repent and there is joy.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep challenges the Pharisees judgemental attitude towards those who go astray. Jesus equates the joy of the woman who found the lost coin to God's rejoicing over a sinner who repents.