Godly Conflict Resolution
Opening Prayer
Lord, today’s reading has some important lessons in resolving conflict among Christians. Help me to learn them.
Read Acts 15:1-12
[1] Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” [2] This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. [3] The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. [4] When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. [5] Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” [6] The apostles and elders met to consider this question. [7] 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. [8] God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. [9] He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. [10] Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? [11] No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” [12] The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What was the issue in dispute here? How was it addressed?The reasons for the Council began and ended in Jerusalem, against the background of Peter and Paul’s experience of bringing the Gospel to non-Jews. Paul, Barnabas and others are sent by the church in Antioch to engage with the debate (2). I suspect it would have been impossible to keep Paul away, although Luke’s account suggests he is not the key player here. The main thrust of Peter’s argument, informed by his experience with Cornelius’ household (ch. 11), is God-focused. God chose Peter to take the Gospel to the Gentiles (7); God wanted the Gentiles to hear and obey (7); God knows what is in everyone’s heart (8); God gave the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles in the same way as to the Jews (8,9). These are deep theological truths. Paul and Barnabas provide powerful examples to illustrate the point (12). Christians can too easily express what they perceive to be God’s opinion in order to support their own point of view. Being guided by an open and genuine discussion that, together, enables Christians to discern God’s will is more challenging and rewarding.
Apply
Pray for those you know engaged in church disputes, that they will focus on God’s perspective in their discussions.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I’m grateful that Your Spirit led the early church to reach out to the Gentiles—like me!
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