Daily Devotion, August 29, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Acts 15:22-41.

  This writer tells us about a historic scene in the life of the early Church. In those first years, the followers of Jesus were simply seen as another sect of the Jews. Therefore, some Jewish leaders were teaching that to become a Christian, one had to first become a Jew and commit to all the rituals and laws of that religion. They believed that God’s Spirit would not connect with a person unless she or he had first committed to God’s Law. But both Peter and Paul had witnessed the Holy Spirit being active in the lives of Gentile believers in Jesus. So different understandings about this were being taught and it was causing confusion among the people.

  So that is why this meeting was called for in Jerusalem. Paul, Barnabas and some other believers met with “the apostles and elders” to debate the issue. Peter told of his experience at the home of Cornelius (Acts 10). Paul and Barnabas told of what they had witnessed God doing among the Gentiles. James gave his recommendation. Our text for today shares the decision that was made and the letter sent to the Gentiles to share that decision. It was a major breakthrough in understanding what God had done through Jesus Christ and wanted to continue to do through those who believed in him. We would not know about this decision and how it came about were it not for this writer.

  However, like much of the rest of the Bible, this writer does not just record the times of agreement and peace. He also shares the times of disagreement and separation. The last few verses tell of one such occasion: “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.” 

 

  In our day and time, it often seems to be the thinking that if there is disagreement among Christians, something is terribly wrong. While there are times when that is true, there are many times when a disagreement is only that and nothing more. I am so thankful for this writer reminding us that God works through those who disagree. Personal Worship Option: Is there a Christian with whom you had a disagreement in the past that caused you to separate from them? If possible, contact them to see how they are doing and offer God’s blessing.