With the decision made, the next step is to communicate it. A letter is drafted, and trusted messengers chosen to deliver it and vouch for its contents (an important consideration in a context that values spoken testimony more highly than the written word, which can be tampered with). Its greeting is warm, its apology heartfelt, its inspiration and conclusion clear. Every line overflows with love – for the Gentile converts regarded as ‘brothers’, as well as for their ‘dear friends’ Barnabas and Paul. From the outset it is obvious that the new Christians are part of the family.

Building on the foundation of faith- based salvation, the letter can be summarised as saying, ‘You needn’t become Jewish to join God’s people, but you’re no longer typical Gentiles.’ This is the beauty of grace: we come as we are, but we don’t stay as we are. We are changed. The new life we have entered affects our lifestyle. Our acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord leads to an understanding that we are his ambassadors, and that affects our actions. This is what the letter’s request is all about: living as the royal servants that we are – servants of God, of all his people and of his global promises and purposes.