How can Acts 15:2 guide us in maintaining unity within the church? Setting the Scene “ And after Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, the brothers appointed Paul and Barnabas and some other believers to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.” — Acts 15:2 What We Notice in the Verse • A real conflict arose over doctrine (Gentile circumcision). • Paul and Barnabas engaged in “serious argument and debate.” • The church family stayed involved (“the brothers appointed”). • They appealed to recognized spiritual authority (“apostles and elders in Jerusalem”). • All action aimed at settling “this question,” not splitting the church. Timeless Principles for Unity • Face disagreements honestly; don’t ignore them. • Keep discussion focused on truth, not personalities. • Submit debates to godly leadership gifted for discernment (Ephesians 4:11-13). • Let the wider body participate, so everyone owns the outcome (Proverbs 15:22). • Aim for resolution, not victory—unity is the goal (1 Corinthians 1:10). Walking It Out Together 1. When conflict surfaces, gather the facts before taking sides (Proverbs 18:13). 2. Invite respectful dialogue; allow every voice to be heard (James 1:19). 3. Seek counsel from pastors/elders who hold to Scripture without compromise (Hebrews 13:17). 4. Pray and search the Word corporately; let God’s written truth settle matters (Psalm 119:105). 5. Communicate decisions clearly so the whole congregation can rally around them (Acts 15:22-31). 6. After resolution, move forward together—no lingering factions (Philippians 2:1-4). Scriptures That Echo the Pattern • Matthew 18:15-17 — step-by-step process for dealing with sin and conflict. • Romans 14:19 — “Let us therefore pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” • Colossians 3:13-14 — bearing with one another and binding everything together in love. • 1 Peter 5:5 — clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. Handled God’s way, honest debate under biblical authority becomes a bridge, not a wedge, preserving the unity Christ won for His church. |
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