Paul teaches the Galatians to live following the lead of the Holy Spirit and not by the rules and regulations of the Jews and not by the way of ‘the flesh’. He speaks of the Holy Spirit walking alongside the Christian disciple.

The Gospel and Adoption into God’s Family: Galatians 4:1-7Paul introduces the ideas of adoption and inheritance based on the experience of the Gentile areas he is preaching to. Adopted children could inherit all that belonged to the family. All those blessings are ours in Christ Jesus. We do not need to look back.

Paul addresses Christian community living which is of secondary importance but could cause division. he calls those who have need to have more rules as weak in terms of faith. He advises respect and understanding and a concern for one’s own behaviour rather than criticism of others.

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 uses sexual morality as an example of idolatry - putting something in the place of God. He teaches about wrong thinking and introduces conscience as a signpost to God.

Paul, under guard travelled by ship to Puteoli and then by road to Rome. Groups of Christians met him along the way which encouraged him. He spoke to the Jews in the synagogue where a few believed and then spent time under house arrest speaking without hindrance. Acts 1:8 has been fulfilled.

After receiving a kind welcome in Malta there is an openness to the Gospel which comes about by miracles of healing.

Paul and his companions met with James and other leaders of the church in Jerusalem. Paul was asked to perform a Jewish ritual to please those Jewish Christians who followed Jewish laws. In the Temple, Jews from Asia Minor stirred up a riot against Paul in which Roman soldiers intervened.

Demetrius, a silversmith, organised a demonstration against the new faith that was taking away his livelihood and turning people away from following the cult of Artemis. The city clerk calmed the crowd in the amphitheatre indicating the need to use the law courts and the danger of rioting in the Roman empire.

Paul, and his team, spend a long time in Ephesus. He speaks to the synagogue but then holds discussions with others in an educational setting. The gospel spreads out from Ephesus as people experience miracles and the power of the Holy Spirit.