Three Strategies from Acts 15:1-35:

The early Christian church faced numerous challenges as it grew and expanded beyond its Jewish roots. One pivotal moment of conflict and resolution is detailed in Acts 15:1-35, where the Apostles convened to address the contentious issue.

“But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.'”

Acts 15:1 (ESV)

It’s hard to believe, but at the time, there was a faction insisting that Gentile converts needed to adopt Jewish customs like circumcision to be a part of the Church. This passage highlights an early church conflict and reveals how the leaders managed disagreements within their community.

Power Dynamics and Advocated Changes

Central to Acts 15 is the power dynamics influenced by deep-seated religious and cultural beliefs. Paul and Barnabas stand as advocates for Christ’s mission to the Gentiles, pushing for inclusion without circumcision and challenging traditional norms.

“So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.”

Acts 15:3-4 (ESV)

Opposing them, some Pharisees who had embraced Jesus still insisted on the necessity of maintaining Jewish ceremonial practices for new converts. The Jerusalem Council, comprising of apostles and elders, would decide on this matter.

“But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.'”

Acts 15:5 (ESV)

This conflict focused on how to integrate Gentile believers into a predominantly Jewish Christian community, viewing adherence to Jewish customs as essential.

Lessons on Addressing Conflict

The resolution of this conflict offers three key strategies in conflict management:

1. The importance of open dialogue. – The willingness of the apostles and elders to listen to all parties was crucial.

“And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, ‘Brothers, listen to me.'”

Acts 15:12-13 (ESV)

2. The reliance on spiritual discernment and scripture. – The community’s shared values and beliefs played a significant role in resolving the dispute, with scripture guiding their decisions.

“And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written… says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.”

Acts 15:15-18 (ESV)

3. The compromise that was reached. – The minimal requirements imposed on Gentile converts demonstrate the effectiveness of finding common ground.

“Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.”

Acts 15:19-20 (ESV)

Final Thoughts

The conflict in Acts 15 teaches us the importance of dialogue, reliance on shared values, and the pursuit of common ground in resolving disputes.

This biblical account not only provides a historical precedent for mission focus but also serves as a guide for effective conflict resolution strategies. We, too, should strive to balance maintaining core beliefs and embracing unity.