Read Acts 15
After their missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas
went to Jerusalem to seek out the answer to a major dispute (v. 2). One group
of believers taught that you cannot be saved unless you are circumcised (v. 1).
Another group disagreed. This issue was
increasingly important as more and more Gentiles were coming to the faith (v.
3-4). In order to maintain unity, the church had to discern the will of God on
this matter. While the assembly was debating, Paul rose to speak. He reminded
them that God had shown His acceptance of Gentiles giving them the Holy Spirit
(v. 8). He reminded them that throughout history people had tried
wholeheartedly to fulfill the Law, and thereby make themselves pure before God.
But even the greatest efforts had not made one person right before God (v. 10).
If circumcision were made a requirement for salvation, they would only be continuing
the system of the law. They would be denying that we are saved by the grace of
Jesus, not by our good works (v. 11). Paul closed his argument by quoting Amos
9:11-12 (v. 16-17). According to this prophecy, Paul believed that they should
not make it difficult for Gentiles to receive salvation (v. 19). The Council
agreed to keep the lifestyle requirements for believers to a minimum and sent
word to the churches (v. 23-30).
Acts 15 closes with an introduction to Paul’s
second missionary journey. Paul and Barnabas disagreed over whether to take
John Mark on the journey (v. 37-39). While we are not told the specific reason
why they disagreed, we are given the result. Barnabas and John Mark went to
Cyprus to share the gospel (v. 39). Paul chose Silas and went to Syria and
Cilicia (v. 40-41). This set a wonderful model. Even strong disagreements do
not have to hamper the progress of the gospel. Paul and Barnabas could have
argued forever or thrown up their hands and quit. Instead they agreed to part
ways and they were able to double their efforts, beginning two missionary
journeys instead of one!
Journaling
and Prayer
1. Verse 32 says that Judas and Silas used their
gift of prophecy to encourage and strengthen the churches they visited. Ask God
how you can encourage someone today.
2. Paul’s missionary journeys consisted of both
evangelizing new areas and discipling believers in places he had already
visited. He did not merely make converts and drop them. Ask God if there is any
work you have previously done that He would like you to take back up. This may
be reconnecting with an old friend, going back to complete an unfinished task,
etc.
3. Pray for unity in the Church. Pray that God
would bring Christians to maturity so that even when they disagree, they would
do so in a manner that advances the gospel. Pray that believers would
prayerfully bring their theological disputes to leaders and be willing to
accept the direction God provides. Pray that believers would value intimacy
with God and advancing His kingdom over anything else in life.
