Conflict Resolution | Acts 15:1-16:5
This message was preached at Sherwood Community Friends Church on Sunday, November 12, 2023. You can watch the video in full by clicking below.
Introduction
Who likes talking about conflict? Yeah… me neither.
We’ve been on a journey through the book of Acts of the Apostles. The book started at the time of Jesus’ ascension into heaven after his resurrection. The book then goes into 7 episodes. The first was the birth of the Jerusalem church. Second is when they appointed leadership. The third episode was when Stephen was martyred and Saul was converted. Fourth, the first Gentile conversion between Peter and Cornelius. The fifth episode has been filled with missionary journeys and near death experiences, and we will close this episode today with what is called the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, where you can turn in your Bibles.
Dispute in Antioch
You may remember this map from a few weeks ago. This was from the scattering of the disciples after Stephen was martyred and then some of those that went out descended onto Antioch to plant a church there. This is where this conflict has been brewing.
Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved.” After Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, Paul and Barnabas and some others were appointed to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this issue.
The one church of Jerusalem that we started with in Acts 2 is spreading throughout the known world. But with its expansion, with each church that is planted in new cultures with people from different racial and economic backgrounds, the waters are turning murky about what is the “right” way of following the One Way.
The people bringing up the conflict were from the area of Judea, which is the area surrounding Jerusalem, the central hub for the practice of Christianity. These people had their ideas of what it meant to follow the Way, and that meant that all followers also needed to follow the Jewish way, including circumcision!
But, Paul and Barnabas disagreed with their assessment. Remember Acts 14:27? “After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with them and that he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” Paul and Barnabas saw the results when they preached the Gospel to the Gentiles: they were impacted, receptive and experienced the Holy Spirit. They did not see the need for the Gentiles to go through this particular unnecessary cultural ritual for salvation when the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to them already.
They seem to be at an impasse. The church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to the elders in Jerusalem for clarity and direction on how to proceed with this matter.
When they had been sent on their way by the church (ekklēsia), they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers and sisters. When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church (ekklēsia), the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.
Here is our map again. So now they are on their way from Antioch, and they make their way through those two circles, through Phoenicia and Samaria, down to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas couldn’t help themselves! There was excitement and enthusiasm about all of what God was doing! It’s no doubt their minds were heavy as they traveled with the conflict they just came from and future conversations they were about to have in Jerusalem. But they choose instead to express the positive along their way from Antioch to Jerusalem. With their reports they brought JOY! Even when they arrived, they didn’t just get right down to business. They told the church in Jerusalem about “all that God had done with them.”
Admittedly, this is a downfall of mine. It’s so easy for me to get wrapped up in all kinds of distractions that keep me from both experiencing the joy of what God is doing and bring joy wherever I go! What kinds of distractions? Mostly similar to what they are facing here - conflicts. Differences of opinion or viewpoint. When I feel like I’ve been wronged or slighted in some way. My obsession becomes how the other person is hurting me! What joy am I stealing from myself and others when I focus on that?
Paul knew what was coming, and he was ready to face it, but he didn’t allow the conflict to consume him.
But some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
Anyone else surprised to see Pharisees listed among those included in the elders of the Jerusalem Church? Well, we learned in Acts 6:7 that some priests had become followers of the Way, despite their original stance against Jesus. But why would they want to hold on to these old laws that put such a burden on the people, like circumcision?
Matthew 5:17-18 says “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished.”
These are the words of Jesus, spoken during his famous Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ words confirm the accuracy and reliability of the Old Testament. So does this mean that Paul is wrong about not requiring circumcision? Let’s read on.
The Jerusalem Council
The apostles and the elders gathered (synagō) to consider this matter.
This is a pivotal time in the history of the church. With Christianity birthed out of the Jewish tradition, it makes sense that this would be a matter for discussion and eventual decision. The key people who needed to be a part of this conversation were invited into the discernment process.
After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe.
Here Peter is referencing his encounter with Cornelius in Acts 10.
And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.”
Peter is pointing out that not only did God choose him to preach to the Gentiles, but the Gentiles received the message. And when they did, they also received the Holy Spirit, just as the Jews who converted. Peter’s appeal to the council is that the transition to following the Way not be burdensome. This is in alignment with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 11.
Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
And verse 11 it reminds us that salvation and worship to the Father is available to all, no matter your background, your history, your family you were born into, the job you have. Peter’s reminder is that even the Jews, who held this Law for thousands of years, were unable to hold it. Yet salvation comes not from our works but from following the Way of Jesus. This confirms what Jesus said to the woman at the well.
John 4:21-25 “Jesus told her, ‘Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”
Let’s continue reading in Acts.
The whole assembly (plēthos - the large gathering) became silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul describe all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13After they stopped speaking, James responded, “Brothers, listen to me. 14Simeon (Also known as Peter) has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. 15And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
16 After these things I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. I will rebuild its ruins and set it up again, so that the rest of humanity may seek the Lord —even all the Gentiles who are called by my name —declares the Lord who makes these things known from long ago.
James, the leader of the Jerusalem church and brother of Jesus, was noting both the claims for circumcision and the claims against circumcision based on the key testimonies provided. The words of the prophets referenced are Amos 9:11-12 and Isaiah 45:21. You might be wondering why the words of the prophets are relevant in this matter. Again, Christianity was birthed out of Judaism, and Christ himself acknowledged that he is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets.
To discern this matter means to consider all of what has been given to them to this point. They are practicing “exegesis” which is the critical examination and explanation of scripture. James and the elders are cautious that they are not just choosing and picking the parts they think are relevant or what feeds into their narrative. They are seeking together the spirit of the matter in alignment with Scripture, rather than choosing to be caught up in the minutia details of legaleze, rules, and legislation.
Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.”
James’ statement confirms there is not a need for something difficult - like circumcision - to be a deterrent of following the Way. That the Gentiles can live in the same gift of salvation as the Jews by their faith and receiving the Good News of Jesus.
But this commitment to follow the Way did not come without its standards. The items mentioned by James are associated with pagan and idol worship, so the consensus is that the Gentiles should abstain from these practices, setting them apart from the darkness of idolatry.
Do we practice idolatry today? I have to say yes. We hold up our influence, our platform, the power we have. What about our self-comfort over the needs of others or our entertainment? What about our idea of what is right? Our bank account cushion? Our job title? Our identity wrapped in our serving or giving?
Our rights? Our entitlements? Anything that is a higher priority to us than God is an idol in our lives. Jesus gave up his rights to give us the gift of salvation.
Philippians 2:5-8 says “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death —even to death on a cross.
Will we give up our rights as Jesus did and let go of the idols in our life?
The Letter to the Gentile Believers
Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole? church, (ekklēsia) decided to select men who were among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leading men among the brothers. They wrote: “From the apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers and sisters among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.
Since we have heard that some without our authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts, we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our dearly loved Barnabas and Paul, 26who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth. For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision — and ours — not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements: that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. You will do well if you keep yourselves from these things.
Farewell.”
There are a few things worthy of noting here. First, there are ambassadors chosen to go back to the Gentiles in Antioch, the original location of the dispute, and then to the surrounding areas. They didn’t all go. They trusted Judas and Silas to go with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the news to the Gentiles.
Second, remember where all this conflict started? Those men that went to oppose Paul were not sent from the leadership in Jerusalem. They took it upon themselves to step out and do their own thing. While what they did wasn’t in alignment with the church leaders, it did bring to light a discussion that needed to happen. This was a matter that needed to be addressed. It reminds me of Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” God used this dispute for good.
Third, while it was in partnership with the Holy Spirit to come to this conclusion, the elders and apostles also had a hand in the decision making process. They had to show up with ears and hearts open to God’s Spirit, the Scriptures, and each other.
Fourth, rather than attempting to uniform cultural differences, the leadership affirmed that the Gospel is for all people through different expressions and cultural variety. This demonstrates unity through flexibility while still being in alignment with God’s word. A few weeks ago, we had our national church planting Sunday. If we are going to plant churches throughout the PNW and beyond, it will be imperative for us to remember this lesson of flexibility.
The Outcome of the Jerusalem Letter
So what’s the response of the church in Antioch?
So they were sent off and went down to Antioch, and after gathering the assembly, (plēthos) they delivered the letter. 31When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and sisters and strengthened them with a long message. 33After spending some time there, they were sent back in peace by the brothers and sisters to those who had sent them. 35But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord.
I’d say they were pretty happy about the outcome! And not only were they pleased with the response to the matter of circumcision, but they were also encouraged! Judas and Silas, who were there as ambassadors, followed up the reading from the council with a long message, spent time with them, and returned home in peace. The church in Antioch felt seen and valued.
Paul and Barnabas Part Company
We’ve seen an example of conflict from the time that it began through to its conclusion. Feels all tied up with a pretty bow, doesn’t it? But I think we all know it doesn’t always go that way.
After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” 37Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. 38But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. 40But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord. 41He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas is over John Mark and whether or not he should join them for this second trip to visit churches established on their last missionary journey. He had abandoned them on the previous journey and Paul didn’t want to bring him because of this. Barnabas disagreed.
Was it wrong that Paul held it against John Mark for his abandonment? It’s not that Paul did not recognize the value Mark was, since he mentioned him in 3 separate letters later on - Colossians 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:11, and Philemon 24. Was Barnabas wrong for wanting to bring John Mark? To extend grace? Was it wrong they didn’t reconcile and continue together? Unity doesn’t always look like forcing everyone to be together. In fact, when we try to force uniformity, this can take vital time and attention away from the work of God’s mission.
When disunity arises, it is up to the leaders of the opposing parties to trust the Spirit that sustains the unity of the church. This is done by both seeking and praying for reconciliation on the internal matters where conflict has risen together. Although it doesn’t indicate it here, considering both men were apostles and prayerful men, I don’t doubt that in their parting ways, they did so with blessing for the other’s ministry.
Paul Selects Timothy
We’ve seen two different types of conflicts reach resolution. But there is a third that we find in our final passage for today. Acts 16:1
Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. 2The brothers and sisters at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him. 3Paul wanted Timothy to go with him; so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4As they traveled through the towns, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem for the people to observe.
Paul saw something in Timothy and he wanted to invest in it. We know Timothy was young, because in a later piece of communication between the two of them, Paul says to Timothy, “Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) But his youth did not stop him from asking Timothy to come with him…with a stipulation. Paul needed Timothy to be circumcised.
What?
Didn’t we… didn’t we just get done reading about how circumcision wasn’t required anymore? Ah yes… for salvation. But when God asks us to take it to the next level, sometimes there are other things we need to step into so that we can be above reproach in our leadership and obedience and ministry to the Lord.
In Timothy’s case, Paul circumcised him to show respect to the Jewish law and identity given to Timothy considering that he was half Jewish. If Timothy had remained uncircumcised, it would have been a block to the Jews in their reception of the Good News Timothy carried. They would have seen the lack of circumcision as a full rejection of not only himself, but of their ethnicity as well. This was a pre-emptive approach to conflict resolution. Meaning… Paul resolved the matter before it became one!
And Paul lived this out as much as he could. He says in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23:
Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law — though I myself am not under the law — to win those under the law. 21To those who are without the law, like one without the law — though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ — to win those without the law. 22To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.
God might be calling you into the next thing today. What is that act of obedience you’ve been putting off? There might be a matter of conflict that you know you need to resolve with prayer and conversation with another. It might be participating in daily Bible readings, so you are always prepared to give a defense for your faith. It may be setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier so you can spend some extra moments with him in prayer. Perhaps it might be the time for you to take the step into church membership, committing to the people sitting around you that this is your church family and you are here for them and with them in Christ. Or maybe it’s joining one of our committees, to become a leader in one of the areas of our church, leading the rest of us as God directs. Perhaps you’ve been putting off getting those Canning Hunger bags to your neighbors and you know this is an important step for you to take.
I used to be a business manager. That God has me up here today, sharing his Word with you today, is because of small, seemingly insignificant acts of obedience along the way. Whatever step you take today, God will use that for the next thing he’s going to call you into!
Timothy was circumcised, then joined Paul on a missionary journey to deliver the decision of the Jerusalem Council. Later, he became the chief pastor in Ephesus. It all started with an obedient step following Paul’s direction.
Conclusion & Open Worship
What is the conclusion of our 5th episode in the book of Acts?
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
Because of the diligence of the Jerusalem elders and apostles, this deepened the unity of believers spread throughout the region and paved the way for the Gospel to continue to spread and strengthened their faith. Today, may our faith be strengthened, not despite our differences but because of them.
Robert asked this question last week and I think it’s such a relevant question at the end of any message we hear. What is the one step God is asking of you today in your walk with him? As we go into this time of open worship, if you feel led to share, the microphone is available.
