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 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 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.

From Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas went to Pisidian Antioch to the synagogue where Paul was invited to preach. He started with the Jewish scriptures and went on to explain that Jesus fulfilled the Messianic promises. Gentiles were also present. There was a division amongst the Jews but a church was established.

Following the release of Peter and John, the church spend time in prayer. Their trust in God, their unity in the faith, and their generosity to fellow believers is evidenced. Barnabas, the 'son of encouragement' is introduced.

Following the healing miracle, the Jewish authorities act against Peter and John and put them in jail overnight. They demand that they no longer speak in the name of Jesus but Peter boldly preaches that Jesus is the only way of salvation.

About 120 people who had followed Jesus remained in Jerusalem including the eleven remaining Apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus and Jesus' brothers and other disciples - both men and women. A twelfth Apostle was chosen.

Jesus appears to a group of disciples including ten Apostles. He proves his physical resurrection body. He explains to them from the Old Testament that what has happened was predicted and begins to commission them.

?Two disciples walking to Emmaus are joined by Jesus but they do not recognise him until he breaks bread. He teaches them from the scriptures about the Messiah and his need to die.

Darkness comes and the whole atmosphere changes. Through the four statements Jesus makes, we can understand the physical, emotional and relational cost to Jesus and what the cross achieved for us.