Acts 15- How the Church Resolved Its First Conflict - Make Sure You Get to Church Tomorrow to Celebrate Pentecost!

Click Here to Read or Listen to Acts 15

The Council at Jerusalem

It would only be a matter of time before the church had its first conflict. This came when some believers came from Jerusalem to Antioch and started teaching that Gentile converts needed to be circumcised under the Laws of Moses. Paul and Barnabas were vehemently opposed to this, so they went to Jerusalem to resolve the matter with the church, specifically the apostles and the elders. 

This was incredibly important time in the life of the early church. Would they keep the gospel free of charge? Or, go back to the Law? Paul says in Galatians, "Having received the gospel, will you return to the slavery to the Law? (See Paul's discussion of this with the believers in Galatians 3.}

One their way back home they strengthened the believers in the Jewish churches. They let them know that Gentiles were coming to faith, as the prophet Amos had foretold. When they got back to Jerusalem, the apostles and elders met to discuss the matter. A party belonging to the Pharisees (go figure!) argued the new Gentiles believers should be circumcised under the Law of Moses. 

The apostle Peter got up and reiterated how, even in the days of Pentecost, God made it clear that Gentiles were included in the plan of salvation. (Remember the story of Cornelius the Centurion) Importantly he says, 

"No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” 

Paul and Barnabas described all the signs and wonders that took place, as many Gentiles came to faith in Jesus. Finally, James, who was apparently the leader of the church in Jerusalem, said, "“It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood."

Bruce on the leadership of James: “The church’s readiness to recognize his leadership was due more to his personal character and record than his blood relationship with the Lord.”

“Interestingly enough, James was the chairman of the council, not Peter.” (Boice)

The exceptions for this ruling were food polluted by idols, sexual immorality, and meat of strangled animals were given probably because they would have been such obstacles for the Jewish believers. I.e. Why create unnecessary division! 

The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers

As the Council concluded on this matter, they sent Judas (not Judas Iscariot obviously) and Silas to Antioch. They were leaders at the church of Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas went too. Their letter explained the verdict of the Council. I like these words, 

"It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you." Notice how the Holy Spirit guided their decision, yet they still had to act in faith. 

The results were very good. The believers at Antioch were strengthened and encouraged. Judas and Silas, who were prophets, even did some teaching for their edification. What a great example of the church handling conflict in a healthy way. What were the key aspects of this?

1. The leadership gathered for everyone to have an equal say.

2. The leaders led! they did not lead by democracy, but were led by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

3. Key leaders like Peter, Paul, and James spoke with authority using their spiritual gifts of leadership. 

4. The church followed up and communicated clearly with the church in Antioch. They expressed their support of  what Christ was doing in their church, and how they did need not to be circumcised. To do so would have been to go back to the Law, which would have been a huge mistake. 

A huge win for the church! 

A question would be do we still handle conflicts like this today? Some churches do. Some don't. For churches that don't it causes great division and severely affects their mission to make disciples. It is a shame and I am sure Satan loves it. I loves to create division and dissension, which dilutes the power of the Church greatly. 

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas

Next, we see a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, and this one did not go as well. John Mark had left Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary trip. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul disagreed challenging John Mark's commitment. Unfortunately, they could not reach an agreement, so they parted company. 

Fortunately God used it eventually for good, Both of them were able to find two new partners for the next mission. Paul chose Silas. Barnabas chose John Mark. They went in opposite directions but the church sent off Paul and Silas. 

Here are some great commentaries on this matter. 

It is hard to know if their personal relationship was strained for a prolonged period. As Christians, we are commanded to resolve relationship problems with others before we present ministry to God (Matthew 5:23-24). It is always wrong to step over people in the name of ministry, and when it happens it must be made right.

ii. There is no doubt God used this division; but this can never be casually used as an excuse for carnal division. God can redeem good out of evil, yet we are all held accountable for the evil we do, even if God ends up bringing good out of the evil. Either Paul or Barnabas – probably both – had to get this right with God and each other.

iii. “But this example of God’s providence may not be used as an excuse for Christian quarreling.” (Stott)

As believers we should use every means at our disposal to resolve personal conflicts with each other for the sake of the church and ministry of the gospel. When we don't, it is usually a result of one or both people's pride. In my ministry, I have found this process works when both people are willing to admit where they need to concede ground and not need "to be right". With only a few exceptions in over 25 years of ministry this has worked well. 

Pray for the Unity of the Church! I hope you all can attend a church on Pentecost Sunday!  

Let's pray for the Holy Spirit to fill our churches and leaders who will be preaching the gospel and praying over people to be filled with the Holy Spirit!!!!!