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.

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.

Having encouraged the Roman Christians to be sensitive and kind to each other, Paul encourages them to have a long-term commitment to Jesus. He explains that the Old Testament is full of encouraging examples of faith. He traces the purpose of God to start with the Jewish nation and then to bring in the Gentiles to the faith.

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 used many examples from the Old Testament to further his argument that God did not choose all Israel. All the way through their history a remnant remained faithful. Just like the clay cannot question the potter’s decision, we cannot question God’s decisions.

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.

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.

Paul highlights the value of the Old Testament, tracing the story of salvation from the covenant promise given to Abraham. Paul concludes his argument that all people need the gospel - Jew and Gentile alike.

Paul gives his testimony to King Agrippa, Festus and others. They react against what he tells them but do not think he has done anything illegal but Paul has claimed the right to be tried by Caesar.

Stephen answered the charges against him by reminding the Sanhedrin of their history and that at every point the Jews had resisted God - just as they had done, when they rejected him. In an emotional response, Stephen was stoned to death becoming the first Christian martyr.