Disagreements Should Not Stop Us from Serving the Lord

Acts 15:22-41

In this study we understand how the apostles and elders resolved a contentious issue. By doing so, they laid a foundation (framework/principle) for church functioning for future generations (to us).

Verses 22-29: Seeking Unity and God's Guidance

v22 "Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church"

v25 "It has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul"

v28 "For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements"

We clearly see that they sought to bring calm and harmony through their deliberations. Having their hearts filled with the Holy Spirit, they understood that God has poured out the Holy Spirit on Gentile believers. It meant there is no difference between Jewish and Gentile believers. They decided to send with Paul and Barnabas two strong persons of faith (Judas and Silas) from Jerusalem to explain what the council had decided.

Verses 30-35: Delivering the Decision

They wrote a letter to be read in the congregation at Antioch. Though this issue brought great distress to people at Antioch and Jerusalem, the apostles and elders demonstrated their dependence on God alone. They sought the help of the Holy Spirit to bring healing (spiritual understanding) and shift focus back to matters of first importance: advancement of the Gospel and strengthening of the early church.

v35 "But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also."

Verses 36-41: Paul and Barnabas Separate - A Pivotal Moment

Sharp disagreement:

v39 Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus

v40 Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord

Paul sought to distance himself from Mark because of prior experiences with him in the first journey. But true to his character, Barnabas wanted to enlist Mark again for the service of the Gospel. Barnabas had seen many people in his years of Gospel work, so he wanted to see men like Mark make amends with God and return to the work of God. Remember, he traveled to Tarsus to bring Paul to Antioch—the benefits of his ministry are still blessing us to this day.

We looked at scripture from 2 Timothy 4:12 and Colossians 4:10 that Paul commends Barnabas and Mark later, indicating his love and respect towards fellow workers. We also looked into Corinthians at how Paul taught them about reconciliation and to focus on their spiritual walk with God.