November 27, Acts 15
Conflict challenges the warmest fellowship and closest friendship. Differences of opinion are inevitable and feelings are at risk.
The growth of the church accelerated as more Gentiles came to Christ. Their integration sparked the first major doctrinal controversy among the disciples. Some Jews insisted that Gentiles had to be circumcised to be saved. Were Jesus’ disciples required to bear the same distinction in their flesh as Abraham’s descendants?
When this teaching reached Antioch, Paul and Barnabas debated with the Jewish teachers. Paul and Barnabas saw that demanding Gentile circumcision was adding to the gospel. They went to the apostles and elders of the church at Jerusalem to settle the matter. The Jerusalem church welcomed them, and rejoiced about the Gentile converts. But some former Pharisees insisted Gentiles had to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. (Here’s another example of what someone was before conversion affecting them afterward.) Their Pharisee heritage shaped their opinion about circumcising Gentiles.
Peter reminded everyone that Gentiles and Jews were equal in God’s sight. The Holy Spirit settled that at Cornelius’ house. Peter said all their hearts were cleansed by faith, and that Jews and Gentiles alike were saved by grace. He called the law an unbearable yoke, and asked why they would bind it on the Gentiles.
James quoted prophecy to show God’s plan had always included Gentiles. He counseled against making it harder for Gentiles to come to Christ by adding the demands of the Law. He advised that Gentile converts should abstain from things associated with pagan worship to avoid unnecessary offense to the Jews. This solution considered the sensitivities of all parties. While it did not evaporate the ethnic struggles that would continue to challenge the church, it did set a pattern for maintaining unity. The meeting and the letter that came from it reiterated that salvation was in Christ alone.
In a twist of irony, Luke reported another conflict, this one personal instead of doctrinal. Paul proposed a trip to visit the converts from
the first journey. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark again, but Paul refused. Unable to agree, Barnabas and his cousin sailed to Cyprus, while Paul took Silas and hit the road.
These conflicts were different. One was doctrinal and threatened the unity of the church. The other was a matter of opinion. Personal disagreements can disturb the peace in the church, but these men didn’t let that happen. Neither of them quit working for the Lord. Neither launched a smear campaign against the other. Though they separated for a while, Paul would write warm, complimentary things about Barnabas and John Mark in epistles to come.
Some issues must be resolved. But it may be best to agree to disagree about other matters and go separate ways with mutual love and respect. May we be wise enough to know which is which, strong enough to contend honorably when necessary, and humble enough to submit to one another when we can.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—November 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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