Acts 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
This passage of scripture delineates for us in real time the methods to be implemented when differences of opinion arise between fellow believers, and where everyone seems to have a valid point. Even though we are to live according to what is written in the Bible, there are some occasions when a difference in understanding, or the gravitational pull of pop culture, tends to affect the way in which the scriptures are applied, and because of this, Christians sometimes have to deal with sensitive issues, for if they are left unresolved, they can threaten our faith and our unity in Christ.
In the above instance, the issue of circumcision had threatened to tear apart the body of new believers, for some saw the baptizing of the gentiles without being circumcised as a direct violation of what was plainly written in the scriptures. Others, being led by the Holy Ghost on this matter begged to differ, and so a general council was called in order to address the matter in a formal way. The manner in which they then came to a final resolution, has precious lessons for us, when dealing with other sensitive issues.
Lesson #1: After heated arguments both for and against, they finally cooled down so that they could think and reason rationally, and it must be that the presence of The Holy Ghost was there to cool down heated tempers, and allow for the calm atmosphere that afterward came over the disciples. When discussing Biblical issues it is not necessary for Christians to become all emotional and combative in presenting their views, because the necessary points can be made without raising our voices in an argumentative manner. Thus it was, when the heat had subsided, the council gave silence to Paul and Barnabas, so that they could clearly explain what God had wrought through them, without the former interruptions that had taken place. Let's read:
Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Lesson #2: A consensus must be reached under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, for the Bible teaches us that where two or three are gathered together in Christ's name, He is present in the midst of them. And furthermore, The Holy Ghost always exudes a unifying influence amongst true believers, so that we can reconcile our differences and move on with the work of saving souls as quickly as possible. But in reaching a consensus we must be certain to follow all scriptural guidelines in doing so, and if there is something extra which needs to be addressed, God will bring it to our attention, because the kingdom is His, and we are His people. A united front on doctrine and purpose must always be the goal in any discussion, and if we come to the negotiating table with a humble and teachable spirit, God will be pleased to reveal His perfect will to us, so that we can then leave the meeting refreshed in heart and mind. Let's read:
Acts 15:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
Lesson #3: When the body of believers have come together to resolve a difficult issue, and prayer and fasting has been made towards that end, then we should be content to abide by the final verdict, even though it may not be in harmony with our own opinions. This last lesson is of critical importance to maintaining the unity of the brotherhood of believing Christians, for there are times, when one's opinion is not well received, that a root of bitterness springs up, and if it is not repressed by the offended one, it can then lead to the formation of off-shoot churches, which then espouse certain divergent views. This scenario has happened time and time again and it's one of the more common snares we should all be wary of. Let's read:
Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas".... 30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle.
Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
1st John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Let us then apply these and other biblical lessons on conflict resolution, so that the peace of God may reign within our hearts. Whenever there are serious issues to be addressed by the church body, it's important for us all to commit ourselves individually and collectively to The Lord in prayer and fasting, for in so doing we will open our minds to be led according to the guidance of His Spirit. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this truth, and may we ever treasure and seek for that unity which Christ so ardently prayed for. Let's read:
Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!