Living ActsSample

Reflection

Every growing movement reaches a moment where it has to decide what really matters. Acts 15 is that moment for the early church.

The issue is serious. Must non-Jewish believers follow Jewish law to belong? For some, this feels like staying faithful to everything they have made sacrifices for. For others, it feels like an impossible barrier. This is a moment for a possible fracture in the church.

But instead of rushing to a decision, they gather. They listen. They share experiences. Peter reminds them of Cornelius, of how God poured out the Spirit without prerequisites. Paul and Barnabas speak of lives transformed among the Gentiles. James weighs the moment with wisdom and Scripture.

The conclusion is bold and freeing. They refuse to place unnecessary burdens on new believers. Culture will not be confused with the gospel. Faith in Jesus is enough.

Yet Acts 15 also shows us conflict at a personal level. Paul and Barnabas fall out sharply over John Mark. It’s wonderful that Scripture doesn’t hide this. Leaders disagree. Relationships strain. And the movement continues anyway.

Acts 15 reminds us that unity does not mean uniformity, and maturity does not mean avoiding conflict. What matters is how we handle it. With humility. By listening. With a shared desire to follow after God.

Challenge

Today, ask God to convict you if there is a situation where you have failed to deal with conflict well. Is there a way to humbly make amends? And as you do this, how might the reality of the gospel be grasped?

Prayer

Father, we lift those before you who have been hurt by the church directly and indirectly.

May your people live out grace and truth with a posture of humility.

And may that start with me.

Amen.