Paul ends his letter to the Galatians by writing in his own handwriting. He confirms that circumcision is not the important factor of a Christian life - the Holy Spirit is. He carries scars on his body for the sake of the gospel and is passionate about the churches in Galatia.

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 continues to explain that the covenant made with Abraham is the foundation of faith whereas the Law of Moses has become obsolete. He explains the importance of the Law to highlight sin that separates us from God. Now all are equal in God’s sight if they have faith in Jesus.

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 challenges the Galatians to remember the gospel of justification by faith in Jesus that he preached to them. He reminds them of their forefather Abraham who came before Moses and had faith

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.

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.

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 greets a long list of co-workers in Rome and urges them to welcome Phoebe who is probably the courier for the letter to the Romans. There is evidence of team work throughout Paul’s ministry.