In my previous blog, I highlighted the division that occurred in Antioch as a result of Judaizers telling Gentile believers they needed to add the law of Moses to their faith in Jesus to truly be saved.
That led to Paul and Barnabas making their way to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with the apostles and elders in a meeting that became known as The Jerusalem Council.
The goal was to settle the matter once and for all and prevent even further division that could have resulted in a perpetual split between Gentile and Jewish believers.
Although the Jerusalem church had not sent the Judaizers to Antioch (Acts 15:24), once the meeting convened, it became clear that some of the believers in Jerusalem agreed with them.
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 (Acts 15:5, KJV).
The disagreement led to “much disputing” (Acts 15:7).
While reading the text, one can almost feel the tension in the room as they discussed this topic of supreme importance: Is man saved by faith alone, or faith plus works?
With emotions high and opinions varying, the question soon becomes, who’s opinion would prevail?
Three addresses were given during the meeting.
Peter spoke first, followed by Paul and Barnabas, and then finally, James concluded by giving his thoughts on the matter and how they should move forward.
What each of them said is certainly worthy of study and discussion, but it is beyond the scope of the primary point I hope to make in this blog.
To summarize their addresses, Peter pointed out that it was God’s will to save the Gentiles and that God had called him as the initial messenger to show them the way, and when Cornelius and his household accepted Christ, the law of Moses played no role in the matter (Acts 15:7-11).
Paul and Barnabas reinforced Peter’s words by testifying of God’s works. They explained what God had done amongst the Gentiles on their first missionary journey, again, without the law of Moses (Acts 15:12).
Finally, James considered the issue from the perspective of God’s Word. By quoting from the prophets, James very simply made the case that God had already foretold a time when the Gentiles would be welcomed into the fold. Thus, they shouldn’t be so surprised (Acts 15:18).
No doubt the Holy Spirit was at work and led these men in their words, especially Peter and James, as they still held strong Jewish preferences at this time.
At any rate, a strong case had been made before the council.
Based on the testimonies given that considered God’s will, God’s works, and God’s Word, what would they conclude?
Would they let their emotions, pride, and prejudice cloud their judgment?
Or would they let God, Who had clearly spoken, rule and have His way?
Would they unify, or would there be further division?
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church (Acts 15:22).
It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord (Acts 15:25).
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us … (Acts 15:28).
Thankfully, they followed the Holy Spirit’s lead, which led to a unified decision rather than further fracturing.
The potential for division always exists. It’s one of Satan’s favorite tactics.
Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand (Matthew 12:25).
However, if division is dealt with properly, the end result can actually be greater unity.
The key to such unity, however, is not man-centered. The focus must be on God’s will and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
If we are in agreement with the Holy Spirit, and our fellow man is in agreement with the Holy Spirit, then despite our differences, we will be in agreement with one another.
Campbell Morgan explained, “There will never be unanimity unless it be based on unity. There never will be the realization of unity save in response to a fundamental union; a union between the members of the Church and the living Lord by the Holy Spirit. This picture of the council in Jerusalem is that of a company of men and women, sharing the life of Christ, desiring only to know the mind of the Lord, having no selfish views for which to contend.”
Morgan went on to say, “These are the conditions upon which it is possible for any such assembly to say, ‘It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.’”
If we are honest, could we say that we come to the table of discussion, whether in the home, the church, or otherwise, with “no selfish views for which to contend?”
It’s in our fallen nature to be selfish. We want what we want.
Too often, we let our desired end goal, pride, emotions, and other things dictate our decisions.
We are so focused on what we want and the desired outcome that we seldom begin the process the way we should – by asking the Holy Spirit to guide us and for His will to be done.
Campbell Morgan put it this way: “If we come to a meeting … having made our minds up that so it must be, then we hinder the Holy Spirit, and make it impossible for Him to make known His mind and will. But if we come, perfectly sure in our minds, but wanting to know what the Lord’s mind is, then ere the council ends, today as yesterday, the moment will come when we shall be able to say with a fine dignity and a splendid force, ‘It seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us.’”
The Jerusalem Council began with sharp division and passionate debate, but it ended in wonderful unity, a unity that would result in the further expansion of the gospel to the Gentiles.
Unity after division is possible, but it will only occur when we are first unified with the Holy Spirit.
