Paul uses strong language to condemn anything that takes away from the power of the gospel which comes from faith in the cross of Jesus Christ alone. He uses the imagery of running a race and baking bread to make his points.

In the light of God’s mercy shown to Jews and Gentiles, we should respond by living our lives wholly committed to God. our behaviour and thinking will change.

Paul uses the imagery of slavery to show what was the old life but compares it to the freedom of the new life. We are obligated to please God in response to God’s generous love towards us. We choose to follow God.

Writing to those who knew the Law of Moses, Paul uses the example of marriage to demonstrate the breaking of the law that binds a woman to a man when the man dies. The same radical change is made for Christians who are in a new relationship with God.

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.

The story of Paul in Jerusalem is continued. Paul is allowed to address the crowd and tells the story of his conversion. The crowd listens and then rise up against him. The Romans imprison him and threaten punishment until Paul claims his Roman citizenship.

On his return to Jerusalem, Peter had to defend what had happened in Caesarea to the believers. He did this by recounting the event and explaining that God's Holy Spirit had come on the Gentiles, too.

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household are the first Gentiles to become Christians, having their own experience of the Holy Spirit blessing them and being baptised. Peter has to break away from Jewish traditions in order to follow God's leading.

As the Gospel is preached by Philip in Samaria, many become Christians. Peter and John, from the church in Jerusalem, confirm their place in God's Kingdom and lay hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit - a Samaritan Pentecost.

Ten days after the Ascension, at the Pentecost feast, the promised Holy Spirit is given. Peter preaches to the crowd and three thousand join. This is the birth of the church.