Jerusalem: Facing Conflict Acts 15:1-2, 6-15, 22-23a,
27-28 July 27, 2008
Introduction
This dispute represents the first
doctrinal problem in the church. How does conflict start? Many times it
starts with some members projecting their ideas above those of the
church. Take a look at verse 24 and note this
false teaching that caused the problem never received authority from
the leaders. These men may have been
Pharisees who came into Christianity but failed to throw off Jewish
customs. Do all of us hold some ideas that
are more tied to traditions than scripture? Let us not be guilty of
forcing our thoughts on others. If and when
this happens in your church the pastor and deacons need to confront
these ideas as quickly and as firmly as
possible.
1. The Desire To Identify The . . Source Of The Conflict. 15:1-2
A. The Source Of Conflict; Doctrine Without . .
Substantiation. 15:1
1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless
you
are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."
B. The Diminishing Of The Source; Doctrine With . .
Substantiation. 15:2
2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute
with
them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them
should go up to
Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.
Today with several hundred churches with
different doctrine we must be sound in the faith. In a Baptist
Church nothing should be taught that does not agree with the Baptist
Faith and Message. This confession agrees with the Word of God,
therefore it can be accepted as authoritative. Note; Paul and Barnabas
strongly disputed with this false doctrine. Today we have too much
tolerance of false doctrine.
2. The Desire For . .
Studying The Conflict. 15:6-15
A. The . . Assembly And The Study. 15:6
6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.
B. The . . Apostle Peter And The Study. 15:7
7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them:
"Men
and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that
by my mouth the
Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
C. The . . Authority Of The Spirit And The Study. 15:8-11
8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the
Holy Spirit,
just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them,
purifying their hearts
by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on
the neck of the
disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we
believe that through
the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner
as they."
D. The . . Assessment Of James And The Study. 15:12-15
1. Assessment Based On The . .
Testimony Of Barnabas and Paul. 15:12
12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened
to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had
worked through them among
the Gentiles.
2. Assessment Based On The Correct . . Thinking Of James. 15:13-15
This conflict was sent to
Jerusalem for an authoritative study by the apostles, and elders.Part
of the problem stemmed from the lifestyle the Gentiles approved of
before their salvation. New Christians may come from a very
worldly background, and we may need to give some space for their
habits and Christian lifestyle to grow. In the text the Apostle Peter
gave testimony telling how God saved
Cornelius and other Gentiles confirming their salvation with the gift
of the Spirit. This is the last time words
from Simon Peter are recorded in the Book of Acts. Note the silence in
the church after Simon spoke. Truth
usually helps to bring silence. A further testimony comes from the gift
of the Holy Spirit. James makes an
assessment of the testimonies given but then calls attention to the
words of the Old Testament Prophets which
really clarified the issue. All of these speakers call attention to the
work and Word of God. The final word of
authority must always agree with the teachings of Scripture.
3. The Desire To . . Silence The Conflict. 15:22-23a & 27-28
A. The Desire Of The Leaders And The . . Entire Church. 15:22
22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to
send chosen
men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely,
Judas who was
also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.
B. The Desire Of The Leaders With An . . Epistle From The
Church. 15:23a
23 They wrote this, letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the
brethren,
C. The Desire Of The Leaders With . . Emissaries From The
Church. 15:27
27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the
same things by word of mouth.
D. The Desire Of The Leaders With . . Enlightenment From The
Holy Spirit. 15:28
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no
greater burden than these necessary things: NKJV
The eleven apostles were members in the Jerusalem church and any church conflicts received an investigation from them. Led by the apostles; this entire church wanted to quell conflict, and especially unauthorized false doctrine. All sides were given an opportunity to talk; this is a good practice. After general agreement the church sent an epistle to all the Gentile churches taken to them by Paul, Barnabas and other well thought of emissaries. This action received a confirmation from the Holy Spirit as the church sensed His enlightenment and confirmation of this action. These actions will be great to follow in any times of conflict. Amen? Amen!
