We live in a world of conflicts of many kinds. Conflicts can develop so easily even when people love one another. Unresolved conflicts can lead to divisions between couples, families, businesses, nations and even churches.
Acts 15 begins with Paul and Barnabas coming into serious conflict with a particular group who wanted to tie non-Jewish believers to Jewish traditions, and ends with Paul and Barnabas themselves actually having a big argument and going their separate ways. From this chapter, we can see some valuable lessons on conflict resolution.
1. Some conflicts are necessary (Acts 15:1-5; Acts 13:39; Galatians 5:12; Acts 15:4; 1 Timothy 6:12; Psalms 55:22; Ephesians 2:8)
2. Conflict should be faced in a godly way
a. You need to meet together (Acts 15:6-7a; Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 18:15-16)
b. You need to listen to one another (Acts 15:12; James 1:19)
c. You need to consider the issues (Acts 15:8-11,17)
3. Conflict should be resolved (Acts 15:19-22)
Apply
Are you ready to “fight the good fight of our faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) when there are basic principles of truth and righteousness at stake? The apostles Paul and Barnabas totally believed in the love of God and the need to do everything possible to live in unity. But they also knew that unity is not possible in situations where there are basic issues at stake that must be defended. The issue here was over the core gospel message of how you are saved from your sins (Acts 1:5). In short do you need to follow traditions and religious rituals to become a Christian or is it all by grace and faith in Christ? Paul and Barnabas strongly and sharply disagreed with the view that was being spread by some Jewish teachers that Gentiles could not be saved without accepting the obligations of the Jewish law, something Paul had already preached clearly against (Acts 13:39). They were prepared to enter into sharp conflict with those who threatened the unity and nature of the church (Galatians 5:12). As Christians we too must always try to be peacemakers but when necessary conflict does arise, the truths of the gospel and the help of the Holy Spirit will equip and empower us to persevere through any trial and stand our ground for the truth (Psalms 55:22). As a church we must also be on our guard against division springing up from our different backgrounds or cultural traditions, remembering that our common denominator is salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8).
How do you handle conflict? Do you bury your head in the sand like an ostrich and hope it goes away? Or do you go to it and seek resolution? Paul and Barnabas sought to meet with the elders to discuss this matter of who is a real Christian (Acts 15:2). We can see here a process for dealing with disagreements in any situation: at home, work and in the church. First, you need to meet together. Paul and Barnabas were chosen and sent to meet the apostles and elders to discuss the disagreement they had (Acts 15:6-7a). In a meeting like this the apostles were following the teaching of Jesus to do all you can to resolve conflicts (Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 18:15-16). We should not be afraid of conflict. When two sides meet to discuss matters equally important to all parties, it is highly likely there’ll be passionate discussions among them. So, secondly, you need to listen to one another (Acts 15:12; James 1:19). Thirdly, you need to consider the issues. Peter supported Paul and Barnabas by focussing on how the Holy Spirit was at work in new ways with the Gentiles. Peter spoke of what he had seen first-hand and what the Holy Spirit did at Cornelius’ house (Acts 15:8-9). To discriminate against the Gentiles meant to oppose God which Peter and James knew was wrong (Acts 15:11,17). Although James and Peter came from traditional Jewish backgrounds, they gave a very fair hearing to consider the merits of the case. We too should always consider the principles involved not just personalities or past experiences.
Are you determined to see conflicts resolved? In the end, it’s always best when a clear decision is made that will benefit the church and advance the gospel. Decisions require judgment and clear communication (Acts 15:19,22). It was “decided” that clear communication be sent to Antioch, Syria and Cilicia that all people were to be invited into the church, regardless of their background, although not all practices were allowed (Acts 15:20). So, because Paul and Barnabas made their stand and the conflicts were carefully considered, a new day of freedom came to the church.
So, what lessons have we learnt here? We need to be sure we are not putting unnecessary blockages in front of people exploring faith in Jesus as well as defining church too narrowly. We have also seen though some conflicts are necessary, we should do our best to approach them in a godly way to resolve them. We then need to clearly document and communicate the agreed decisions to all those concerned. Paul and Barnabas were among those chosen to send the letters to the churches. After all this progress, it seems sad at the end of this chapter to read that even Paul and Barnabas had a big conflict later and they went their different ways. But even that worked out for good because Barnabas and Mark went their own way and advanced the gospel, and so did Paul who teamed up with Silas. Together they did great things. And later, we see that Paul regards Mark with respect and love and wants to see him.
Today, whatever situation you are in, you can be confident that the Lord will bless you and help you when you stand firm when conflict is necessary and when you always do your best to face and resolve conflict.
