The ‘big plan’ of God is revealed, as is the ‘mystery’ of how all the nations will be blessed through the Jewish nation. Paul introduces the work of the person of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us through our lives.

Paul is concerned to correct the practice of using the gifts unhelpfully that existed in the Corinthian church. He highlights here the gifts of prophecy, speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues.

Paul gives a practical framework to encourage orderly worship that incorporates the unplanned interaction of god through the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues.

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.

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 introduces the reality of spiritual warfare that every Christian faces together with the resources that God provides to fight against the enemy. Roman soldiers are guarding him and he uses their armour to explain these resources.

Paul explains that salvation means that God’s Holy Spirit comes into your life bringing the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and placed him at the right hand of the Father with all that that implies.

Paul prays that the Ephesians will know how wide, how long, how high and how deep God’s love is so that they can be strengthened in their faith and understanding of God.

Paul believed that many Christians did not live their new life fully in the power of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are obliged to please God. a radical change has been made in that now we are God’s children and can call him, Our Father. We are adopted into God’s family and are joint heirs with Jesus.

Background detail of the city of Rome and historical influences on the church are given. Paul is shown to be a man of prayer. He wanted to go to Rome to impart spiritual gifts, share fellowship and encourage their evangelism.