It began with just a few men. They didn’t know exactly what kind of damage they were about to inflict on their own reputation— for all eternity. There’s an intense account found in Acts 15 where we’re introduced to “some men” and they’re on their way from Judea. They begin to teach,
“Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
Paul and Barnabas rise to the challenge and they debate them fearlessly, but the damage had already been done. The argument had not only confused them but it stirred up the entire group to the point that it was decided to take matters to the very top. Off they went to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.
HERE’S WHAT WENT DOWN
Paul and Barnabas hadn’t lost faith and in fact, they proclaimed what God had done for the Gentiles to all who would listen on their trip. The news of God’s grace to all races and nations brought them great joy. In Jerusalem the apostles and elders had gathered to deal with the conflict. It didn’t take long for the group to separate into two teams with two different beliefs about God’s will for us all. It was at this moment where Peter stands up and begins to speak. He explains that God knows the heart of all of us. He’s always known this!
HERE’S HOW IT HAPPENED
The Spirit had descended on the apostles to prove that there is no discrimination between Jews and Gentiles. The demand for proof is always in our hearts, and so the Spirit demonstrated miraculous powers to give credence. Peter would explain that under the Jewish law, even Moses and the greats couldn’t bear the load. It wasn’t sustainable, and it wasn’t meant to last.
It’s verse twelve that gives one some additional insight. It says,
“And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done though them among the Gentiles.”
HERE’S THE POINT
How do we solve our conflicting views that spring up in our midst? There’s only one effective way to do so and that’s to take our matters of division to the top. Not preachers, teachers, deacons, or elders, but to the very top. But if God is going to speak, we’ve got to be quiet. The assembly went silent. Everyone there, no matter what their belief decided to listen. Speaking over each other never solved a problem and this is true on a congregational level, and a personal one.
HERE’S A QUESTION
How many times do we fall victim to the bias assembly of thoughts in our own minds when reading God’s word? It can be difficult to hush those voices, but it’s when we do that real, positive change finally has a chance to take root.
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