Acts 15

Acts 15:1-3 – The Dispute

Paul and Barnabas just finished an amazing journey preaching the gospel.  Many Gentiles were saved and the church grew.  But when a church is growing, you can always count on opposition.  The Jewish Christians didn’t like the fact that the Gentiles accepted salvation and did not have to do anything for it.  The Jerusalem Christians wanted them to obey the Law of Moses, which commanded circumcision.  They were also concerned that they would be overrun by Gentiles and their customs since they had very different backgrounds.  The men from Judea were called Judaizers and insisted the Gentile converts be circumcised. 

It would have been easy for Paul and Barnabas to just ignore this issue.  If they had, there would be no absolute truth in the church.  The gospel of Jesus plus anything else is not the true gospel.  If you find yourself in a controversy, be prepared.  Speak with God and spend time with Him.  This way you will grow closer to God.  We should also keep a joyful heart during controversy.   You worship God in the mist of it, which is a great defense.  We need to speak up when something attacks sound doctrine of the church not just for things that don’t really matter.  Don’t dwell on the small things and don’t get tied up in it - let the main thing be the main thing. 

Principle:  Conflict dealt with according to scripture through the power of the Holy Spirit leads to spiritual growth.

What conflict are you avoiding?  Will you ask God to be bold and speak out for you?  1 Peter 3:15-16 – “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Acts 15:4-21 – The Discussion

Some believe that Galatians 2:1-10 is a picture of the meeting Paul, Barnabas and the others had with the Jewish council.  Paul opposed the circumcision of the Gentile Christians, because he was trying to teach them that Jesus was the only way to salvation - not the outward appearance of circumcision.  Peter told the brothers that long ago God chose the Gentiles would hear from his lips the message of the gospel and believe.  God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles.  He purified their hearts by faith.

Principle:  Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Are you serving God just in case?  As you serve God examine your motives.  There is nothing we can do to earn a place in heaven.

Acts 15:22-35 – The Decision

James spoke to the council quoting scripture. (Amos 9:11-12)  He suggested they not make it difficult for the Gentles, but to compromise.  Instead, he suggested they write the Gentiles at Antioch and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, abstain from sexual immorality, and from eating meat of strangled animals and from blood. This letter was not meant as conditions for salvation, but to maintain Jewish and Gentile fellowship.  They agreed and along with Paul and Barnabas, they sent Judas and Silas with the letter.  When the letter was read, they were glad for its encouragement and Judas and Silas said much to encourage the believers.  Then they were sent back with blessings of peace. (Acts 15:19-34)

Acts 15:36-41 – The Disagreement

Paul and Barnabas decided to go back to the towns where they had preached to see how they were doing.  Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul didn’t want to because he had deserted them in Pamphylia.  Paul thought him unreliable.  They had a sharp disagreement and parted ways so Barnabas took John Mark and sailed for Cyprus.  Paul chose Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.  This began Paul’s second missionary journey.

Both Paul and Barnabas were right.  Paul was right to not risk his future work and Barnabas was right to recognize John Mark as valuable to the work.  God caused this disagreement so the gospel could be spread to more people.  Christians can disagree on the importance of an issue and both be right.  John Mark later wrote the book of Mark.  Years late after Mark proved himself, Paul received him with open arms in 2 Tim. 4:11.

How do you handle disagreements with other Christians?

What can you do to follow the example of Paul and Barnabas?

Principle:  Christian should strive for unity so that we can serve the Lord as one body.

Join me here next week for our study as we jump to the book of Hebrews.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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