Paul continues to explain that the covenant made with Abraham is the foundation of faith whereas the Law of Moses has become obsolete. He explains the importance of the Law to highlight sin that separates us from God. Now all are equal in God’s sight if they have faith in Jesus.

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 and his team visits Thessalonica where there is open opposition from the Jews. He moves on to Berea where they are more receptive until men come from Thessalonica to disrupt the mission. Paul moves on to Athens but Silas and Timothy stay to strengthen the church.

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.

The writer, Luke, refers back to the Ascension of Jesus as a decisive point of change in the Apostles' spiritual journey.

Jesus appears to James. His final appearance is to the disciples and ends with his ascension. He taught them about the Kingdom over 40 days and commissioned them to go to all the world.

In the first three hours of Jesus on the cross he makes three statements showing his concern for others - those within his sight, the criminal and his mother.

The Sanhedrin insists that Pontius Pilate should try Jesus, find him guilty and have him crucified. Pilate cannot find any reason to do this but does so to have an easy life. All involved are 'judged' within a generation of Jesus' death.

The final parable about discipleship and the Second Coming draws attention to the awareness of the needs of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and addressing those needs.

In the light of the Jewish expectations that when Jesus go to Jerusalem, he would bring in the full Kingdom of God, Jesus tells this parable using the political culture of his day to explain the difference between his first and second coming and the responsibility of his followers.