The leadership of a church is very important. It includes apostles, pastors and teachers, evangelists and prophets. All are under the authority of the original Apostles through Scripture.

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.

Paul greets the churches in Galatia, highlighting his calling and authority. He immediately starts to address the problem that has arisen - other Jewish teachers have undermined the gospel and taught ‘another gospel’.

Paul outlines his conversion experience and his calling from Jesus himself. This is to demonstrate his authority to preach the gospel. He explains his visit to the Apostles in Jerusalem and how they supported him in his ministry to the Gentiles.

Paul travels to Jerusalem for a second time to ensure he is preaching the right gospel to the Gentiles following criticism from Jewish believers who are undermining his preaching and questioning his authority. Peter and the other apostles agree with Paul and remind him to remember the poor, as the Gentiles did not share that concern in their societies.

Peter comes to visit the church in Antioch and then surprisingly stops eating meals with Gentiles, as if he is still trying to obey the Old Testament Jewish food laws which kept the Jews separate from the Gentiles. Paul challenges Peter to change his behaviour because the law of Moses is no longer in operation and the Gospel unites Jews and Gentiles

Paul gives further teaching about food and hospitality in the Christian community. These are secondary issues but the Kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace and joy.

Paul travels through Ptolemais to Caesarea where he meets up with Peter. Different forms of prophecy are mentioned. Fellowship is offered to Paul at every church community - even those he has not planted.

An issue arose about the need for Gentiles to become Jews as part of being Christians , including the act of male circumcision. The Council of Jerusalem was convened and it was agreed that this was not right. guidance was given to the gentile believers to help them separate themselves from pagan rites.

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.