Day 117, Acts 15
We return to Dr. Luke’s account of the development of the Church in about 48AD (so about 18 years after the Day of Pentecost). Paul and Barnabas returned to their home base of Antioch, after the first missionary journey, and a problem arose when false teachers came from Judea to teach that circumcision is necessary for salvation. So the church there decided to send a delegation to Jerusalem to resolve this conflict with help from the other apostles.
This conflict is rooted in tradition - circumcision was given by God as a sign of relationship with Him - but now Holy Spirit has shown clearly that He doesn’t limit relationship with God to those who have been circumcised. Peter was the one through whom that revelation became clear (go back and review Acts 10 and 11). And now, it is Peter who brings God’s wisdom for this challenging situation. God intends grace to be unlimited - not restricted by past traditions like circumcision. Paul and Barnabas reinforce this wisdom by reporting all that God has been doing among the uncircumcised, and Jacob (James) concludes the discussion with reference to fulfilled prophecy from Amos 9.
The Council writes to the Antioch regional church, and send the letter with Paul and Barnabas, Judas Barsabbas and Silas. When the letter is read it delights everyone, and Judas and Silas both bring confirming prophetic words. It is a time of great advance in understanding, unity and purpose.
And with characteristic honesty, Luke also records the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark (remember he left Paul and Barnabas in southern Turkey - clearly that wasn’t something that impressed Paul).
The two friends part, and each take an assistant in different directions. God takes disagreements and multiplies the impact, provided there is no animosity or judgment. The common practice of tearing down a brother or sister with whom we disagree is NOT God’s way. But interpersonal conflict is not wrong if we trust God to lead us forward, and cultivate godly outcomes in both camps. We know from 2 Timothy 4:11 that the conflict was later resolved and relationship restored.
Disagreement is not sin but judgement and disunity is!
Have a great day!
Mark