Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. And when there had been much dispute…
Acts 15:6-7
The events of Act 15 mark the first major issue in the New Testament church. Prior to this question regarding whether or not circumcision was required for salvation, there had not been a serious disagreement on a large scale among the believers. The “dispute” taking place could have easily turned into fracture and division, but the way the matter was handled should inspire us to follow their example. The outcome of their disagreement would be a decision of unity which strengthened the early church instead of weakening it, the effect that difficulties should always have upon us as believers. So how did these men handle such a tense situation so effectively?
First of all, “the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter“. (v. 6) We note the humility in this coming together. The leaders of the assembly included elders and apostles, but though the apostles were eye witnesses of Christ’s resurrection who had been taught by Him firsthand and had been used of God to perform miracles, there was no spirit of pride evident. They all came together on equal footing, each simply desiring the will of God. They evidenced Phi 2:3: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
Secondly, they heard as a group firsthand accounts from eye witnesses involved in the matter. There was no hearsay or slander, only open discussion of the facts. It is our duty to investigate further and substantiate any accusations that must be dealt with among us. We cannot base our decisions on secondhand information. Remember, James says “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity…and it is set on fire by hell.” (Jas 3:6) With such a description, we have reason to suspect the tongue’s words! Jesus’ advice when dealing with differences that couldn’t be handled one on one is found in Mat 18:16. “But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ ” Whispering and gossip have no place in the kingdom of God. Pro 16:27-28 associates these practices with the wicked: “An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” Had they given themselves to such behavior, separation would have been inevitable.
Thirdly, the decision of these Christian leaders was supported by the word of God. We saw last week that James quoted from the book of Amos to prove that this salvation of the Gentiles was backed up by scripture. The word of God should be the first place we look for answers for it makes the solution clear: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psa 119:105) In looking to the word, we look to God for it is His word. There is no other book that fits the description of 2Ti 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Lastly, the church as a whole submitted to the authority of their spiritual elders. Act 15:22 highlights the unity of their minds, stating “it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church…” It is certainly true that we should not follow men blindly. For our soul’s sake, we should be like the Bereans who after hearing Paul’s preaching “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so”. However, if scripture doesn’t stand against the decision of those leading the church, we ought to submit to that authority. Concerning these shepherds of the flock of God, Heb 13:17 instructs us to, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” And so, these early Christians followed those who were over them who were in turn following Christ. (1Co 11:1) The result was a decision that brought the church together and Act 15:31 tells us they “rejoiced over its encouragement.” May we learn from their God-honoring example.
Jamie