Titus had reported back good news to Paul. There was sorrow about the sexual sin that had taken place and this had led to repentance which in turn leads to reconciliation. the church responded well to Paul’s intervention.

Paul explains the gospel which is for all as everyone is a slave to sin. The gospel transforms lives and changes the eternal destination of those who believe. Paul challenges all Christians to be concerned for those outside the Kingdom and to be God’s ambassadors.

Paul teaches about what happens to a Christian immediately after death. He compares our life now to living in a tent whereas our future home is permanent. To die is to be immediately in God’s presence. We are assured of this by the Holy Spirit in us.

Paul explains that the old covenant has been replaced by the new covenant in Jesus. The Law of Moses with its rules and priesthood was given for that time and only for Jews. The new covenant is for all and is based on a new relationship with God as its foundation through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Paul clarified his travel plans and his desire to visit the church and overcome the relationship difficulty he was experiencing with the church. He emphasised that in contrast God always keeps his promises and is faithful which he had taught them through the scriptures.

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 explains that the only foundation a church should be built upon is the gospel of Jesus. There can be false teaching which is the responsibility of the leaders of the church. If what they have built is wrong it will be destroyed; if it is good they will receive a reward.

Paul tackles a case of incest in the Corinthian church. He explains the need to deal with sin within the church. Jesus had taught how to put church discipline into action. The man in Corinth needed to be put out of the church although there would always a way back into the church.

In Corinth, members of the church were in dispute with each other and instead of resolving the issues with the help of church leaders, they were taking the argument to the law courts.

Paul explained his method of reaching all the people he met in his mission to the Gentiles. He identified with them so he could preach the gospel to them. Paul described the Christian life as a race with a prize at the end - eternal life.