Tag: Acts 15
Handling sharp disagreements!
Scripture reading for May 26: Acts 15
“And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the Word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” Acts 15:36-40
Being believers in church leadership does not mean everyone will always be in agreement. This passage records a ‘sharp’ disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, a young believer who had deserted them on their earlier missionary journey. (Acts 13:13) This disagreement resulted in Paul and Barnabas separating and two missions journeys instead of one. (Not a bad thing!) Prayer was made over both teams and they were sent out by the church.
What do we learn from this record of a sharp disagreement? First, each person has a different world view and level of faith from knowing God and His Word. God is working in each life through the Holy Spirit to bring unity and love between brothers. When we don’t see opportunities or problems in the same way, prayer is needed to seek God. Sometimes, peaceful separation for a time will bring clarity. God’s grace is always at work to accomplish His plan and purpose. Mark went with the encourager, Barnabas, and was restored to ministry, eventually writing the Gospel record that bears his name. Paul got to mentor another missionary, Silas, and multiplied ministry. Churches were encouraged and built up by both ministers and their mentors. It was a winning result that moved God’s kingdom forward.
Have you ever had a sharp disagreement with another in ministry or the church? How did God work this out for His good and your growth? Does this help you to think differently about handling disagreements? What do you learn about handling disagreements agreeably?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You work out all thing for the good of those that love You. Please take our fleshly disagreements and different opinions and make something good come forth. Please correct my attitude and actions when needed towards those who disagree with me. Amen.
Agreement with the Holy Spirit!
Scripture reading for May 25th: Acts 15
Key scriptures for over-comers: Acts 15:28-29 “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.”
There was a dispute in the early church about whether or not circumcision was necessary for salvation. Some Jewish believers wanted to make this a requirement. Paul and Barnabas were in sharp disagreement with doing this! So they and others from the church decided to go to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem and settle this matter. They discussed this matter and heard all sides. Peter stood and stated what was clearly believed: “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:11) The council agreed with this ruling and added just a few recommendations to believers for their spiritual welfare. Peter noted that “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and us. . .”. The Holy Spirit led them to a peaceful settlement of this dispute!
Observations for over-comers: Disputes between believers are part of life in this fallen world. Those in Christ’s Church seek to discuss and hear from God’s heart how to move forward in peace and unity! “Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you.” (Proverbs 22:17-19)
Law or Grace?
Scripture reading for May 26th: Acts 15
The doctrines of the early church had to be worked out through the leadership of the apostles and elders. An early conflict concerned the requirements for Gentiles coming into the fellowship. The first believers were all Jews, some from the sect of the Pharisees who were brought up in the strictest practice and traditions of Judaism. This group insisted that the Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. (Acts 15:5) The leaders gathered at Jerusalem to discuss this issue and come to a decision.
“After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the Gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe that it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:6-11)
The early church leaders discussed the issue thoroughly and came to a conclusion based on God’s Word, Jesus’ teaching, and practical experience of God’s working among them as they ministered. Although circumcision was required of true Jews, God did not require this under the New Covenant of grace! Keeping the Law of Moses was never possible for even the most devoted Jews, this would not be required either. It was by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ that Jew and Gentile would be saved!