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.

Paul states that government is God’s plan for society. Despite the different forms of government, Christians should respect and honour those in authority who are under God’s sovereignty. Christians should pay their taxes and pray for those in authority.

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 explains the three dimensional Christian life: the past - justification; the present - access to God’s grace: and the future - eternity with God. Suffering is a part of life but we have the Holy Spirit to enable us

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.

The Roman commander organises a debate between Paul and the Sanhedrin to clarify the situation. It causes more problems as the High Priest and Paul get angry and the Sanhedrin argues with itself - between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Paul is taken back into prison.

Following a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, they separated and Paul took Silas on his journey. The Holy Spirit hinders his progress in Bithynia and Paul has a vision of a man from Macedonia calling him to go there - to Europe.

In the face of violent arrest, Jesus does not offer violence and rebukes Peter for using a sword. Jesus is in control of the scene and understands it must be so to fulfil scripture.

Everyone is important to God, and he cares about each individual, just as the shepherd leaves the 99 to find the lost one.

Jesus' disciples will be like salt - fertilising the good and disinfecting the bad in society. Christians offer the light of Jesus by their lives.