Though justified before God in Christ, the experience of temptation and sin continues to be real for the Christian person. Our challenge now is not to allow it to be our master any more.

Leveraging the Law of Moses, Sin consigns the Jew to eternal death in relation to God. Handed over to corrupted instincts and urges, the Gentile seems hardly any better off. Paul�s gospel is, therefore, especially good news as we hear of God�s provision of a wonderful Saviour.

Against well intentioned advice, Paul travels to Jerusalem. Unsurprisingly, accusations and great unrest continued such that, when arrested, Paul ultimately used his right as a Roman Citizen to appeal to Caesar for justice. This is appeal is a turning point in the latter part of the book of Acts. It sets Paul�s course for Rome� where he wanted to go anyway� opens up a series of trials and testimonies for Paul in front of all the leadership of the Roman Empire.

Why did Paul write to the Christians in Rome? So they would adopt him as a 'Link Missionary' and send him to Spain. In order to win their support he explains, in detail, the gospel message which he preaches. It is a gospel message with power to change lives.

Paul�s address to the gentile elites of Athens serves as a model of preaching for the Gentile world. He begins with their world view and their assumptions. He moves his audience from what they already believe to what they need to learn. Ultimately, the gospel essentials are never compromised: Jesus Christ is presented as the crucified and resurrected Lord of all.

The worldview of the Ephesians was founded upon a belief in magic powers, especially as they were wielded by Artemis, their favourite goddess. So when Paul brought the gospel to the Ephesians, God ensured that the Lordship and power of Jesus Christ was demonstrated alongside the message of the gospel. As in other places, some believed and were saved. Other�s rejected and opposed the gospel.