Acts 15:1-21

The United States has the Constitution. Christianity has the Holy Bible. Whenever a question arises for either politicians or Christians, they each have a jointly accepted document to turn to for clarity.

Even with these foundational documents, however, both politicians and Christians can find themselves in conflict with others in their group. The conflicts can be intense because the matters at hand are important.

In Acts 15 we see this played out in the early church. At issue was whether Gentiles could be saved without being circumcised.  Paul and Barnabas protested the argument made by some Jewish believers who insisted circumcision was still required by the law of Moses.

The law of Moses was scripture. One would think that settled it. Yet with their own eyes Paul and Barnabas had seen Gentiles saved without being circumcised.

Thus, a journey to understanding began. 

The literal journey took Paul and Barnabas to meet with the church, apostles and prophets in Jerusalem. During the ensuing discussion, Peter rose to remind all that God had shown His acceptance of the Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit. Paul and Barnabas told about miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 

Then James rose to point out that these experiences were in agreement with Scripture.

The scripture he pointed out was from Amos 9. As James had listened to the sharing, the Holy Spirit had widened his eyes to see the connection of that scripture to the current experiences he was hearing about.

In this biggest conflict in the early church, we are given an example of the way the meaning of Scripture can progressively open up to us over time and in response to what the Holy Spirit is doing “on the ground.”  

We also see the Holy Spirit at work in the people as they spoke with conviction and listened in silence. When James made the final call, then, the whole assembly knew what—Whom! —had led him to that decision.

In the end, the circumcision party-liners, who had respectfully listened to the other side, were in turn shown respect by James. Although he did dismiss the circumcision requirement, he retained requirements which, unlike circumcision, would not make it difficult for Gentile believers to turn to God but would still honor the sensibilities of Jewish believers.

Which action in this story (e.g., going the extra mile, speaking forthrightly, listening attentively, respecting others) challenges you, prompting you to pray? 

Father, thank You for inviting and equipping us to partner with Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture to Disagree Deeply and Love Deeper Still on our way to Unity.