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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