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.

Despite being in prison facing a death sentence, Paul opens his letter by reminding the church of all the blessings they have. He writes of God’s initiative in salvation but also the need for each Christian to make a decision. God is working out His purposes.

Paul was in prison because of his calling to take the gospel to the gentiles. When Christ came, what had been promised to Abraham about the Jews being a blessing for all nations, came into being. This was a ‘mystery’ that is still being fulfilled today.

Following on Jesus' teaching, Paul also encourages the Christian community to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. Our neighbour is people in the church community who need help which we can give. He introduces a sense of urgency in the light of the Second Coming of Jesus and the question of how we have used our opprtunities.

Sin has not only affected human beings, Paul explains that the whole of creation is also struggling because of sin. Although we are suffering now, we have a wondeful hope for the future. The Holy Spirit strengthens us now and helps us to pray.

Paul outlines the need for the gospel and the cross. He explains the nature of sin. Everyone has received revelation from God through creation and the conscience. Paul introduces the concept of the wrath of God and judgement.

From Derbe, Paul and Barnabas revisited the churches they had planted in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch in Pisidia. They went in person, taught the disciples, gave prophetic insight and established leadership teams. They returned to their sending church - Antioch in Syria - and reported back and rested.

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.

The writer, Luke, refers back to the Ascension of Jesus as a decisive point of change in the Apostles' spiritual journey.

Jesus is taken to Annas, and then to the High Priest's house where he is tried by the Sanhedrin and found guilty of blasphemy. He remains silent except when asked a direct question under oath.