Conflict has always been a part of human relationships—even within the church. In Acts 15, we see one of the earliest and most significant church disputes: the Jerusalem Council. This meeting not only preserved the unity of the early believers but also set a powerful example for how Christians today can handle disagreements with wisdom, humility, and grace.
What Was The Jerusalem Council?
The Jerusalem Council took place around A.D. 49 and is recorded in Acts 15. The central conflict arose when some Jewish believers insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity must be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses in order to be saved. This teaching created confusion and division among the new Gentile believers.
The dispute became so intense that Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders, including Peter and James, to settle the matter once and for all.
Key Issues At Stake
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Salvation by Grace vs. Law-Keeping
Was salvation dependent on faith in Jesus Christ alone, or did Gentiles need to adopt Jewish customs first? -
Unity of the Church
Could Jewish and Gentile believers truly be one body if they held different practices and expectations? -
Cultural Barriers
How would the early church navigate the blending of Jewish traditions with the freedom given to Gentile believers?
How The Council Reached Resolution
The Jerusalem Council gives us a roadmap for conflict resolution in the church:
1.
Listening Before Deciding
The apostles and elders gathered to hear testimony from both sides (Acts 15:6–7). Instead of rushing to judgment, they gave space for voices to be heard.
2.
Looking Back At Father God’s Work
Peter reminded the council how father God had already accepted Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:8–9). Evidence of God’s activity helped guide their decision.
3.
Leaders Speaking With Clarity
James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, summarized the matter and grounded the decision in Scripture (Acts 15:13–18). Leadership brought direction and order to the discussion.
4.
A Compromise That Preserved Unity
The council agreed that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised but encouraged them to abstain from practices offensive to Jewish believers (Acts 15:19–21). This balanced truth with love, removing barriers to fellowship.
5.
Clear Communication
A letter was sent to Gentile believers explaining the decision, signed by apostles and elders (Acts 15:22–29). Transparency reduced confusion and built trust.
Lessons For Today’s Church
The Jerusalem Council is more than a historical event—it’s a timeless model for handling conflict in the body of Christ. Here are practical lessons:
- Keep the gospel central: Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, not human traditions.
- Listen humbly: Every voice matters; conflict deepens when people feel unheard.
- Rely on Scripture and God’s work: The Word and the Spirit remain our guideposts.
- Seek unity, not uniformity: Differences in culture or practice should not divide us if the gospel is preserved.
- Communicate clearly: Misunderstandings can be avoided with honesty and clarity.
Final Thoughts
The Jerusalem Council teaches us that disagreements—even heated ones—don’t have to destroy the church. When handled with prayer, Scripture, humility, and grace, conflict can actually strengthen unity and clarify the truth of the gospel.
As modern believers, we’re called to follow this same pattern—keeping Christ at the center, valuing one another, and seeking peace without compromising the truth.