“Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.” Suddenly, after Peter, Paul and James spoke, the council of leaders were at peace. Even those who had vehemently taken the stand that the gentiles should be circumcised were now at peace that gentile circumcision was not a requirement. After all the turmoil there was peace among the leaders. Strong disagreements were gone. Why? The wisdom of God had been spoken to men with humble and sincere hearts. 1 Corinthians 12:8 declares that there is a gift of the Spirit, a manifestation, identified as “…To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom …” One of the manifestations of this gift of supernatural wisdom is that it can bring peace to situations where there seems to be no way to peace. No one has the answer. We may have not recognized it as this gift, but it is probable that we have all seen it. When contesting people are getting deeper into their position and there seems to be no answer that will bring everyone to peace and unity. Then someone stands up and speaks, perhaps almost the same exact message that has already been stated, but is then said in a way that suddenly breaks the ice and peace and unity prevails. That person may wonder themselves at the effect of what they said. It worked because it was a message from God, the great Peace Maker, and came with the authority of the Holy Spirit. They, in the first generation church needed that gift and Family, we are no different. Again, let’s not despise the gifts of the Spirit, but welcome them. They were gifts from God to the past generations of Believers and are gifts to us in our generation.
Why didn’t they just send Paul and Barnabas back to share the message? It is most likely that some from Jerusalem were sent with them as a type of verification to the Gentile believers that what Paul and Barnabas were to report was indeed the decision of the Jerusalem church.
“They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers.” Judas Barsabbas and Silas were selected to travel with Paul and Barnabas to support their delivering of the Jerusalem Council decision. Both of these men are identified as prophets in V32. So here is another proof that the original twelve apostles were not the last to have these spiritual gifts, as some today falsely assert. Also, these were men who walked the walk. They were respected as believers and leaders.
In these verses we see the veracity of the old saying “In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, in all things clarity.” The foundation of our faith is that we are saved by grace, offered through Jesus and that in no way are we saved by works (by what we do). We can do nothing to add or supplement our salvation. To teach that is to deny that what Jesus did was the full work of God. Also, if we must do something to keep our faith then works is part of our salvation. That is heresy! But things such as smoking, seeing movies, types of worship music, the use of visual aids during the message are not essentials. Certainly there is wisdom and preference, but not essentials. Even the gifts of the Spirit, though certainly highly valuable and great blessings, are not essentials. All Believers have the Holy Spirit. All! But the gifts are not proof of salvation, knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord, including no works, is what includes us in the family of God. Unfortunately, some who are supposedly wise, will write books and tear down those with differing opinions in front of the world, and these being other believers. That is not expressing the love of God and not heeding the Word of God (1 Corinthians 6:1-6). Those Believers who fight in public are doing something shameful! We are to be known by our love for one another (John 13:35). It is arrogance that is behind those who are divisive. One thinks he knows something that another does not. And vice-a-versa. So they write books denigrating another Brother, they do so on radio, or television, or video. They do this in front of the world who is looking for something different but instead see Believers acting no different than the world. How is that drawing those in darkness to the light? Family, if we disagree, let’s talk with each other and pray for God to bring us to an answer. If it is a non-essential let love, peace and unity rule the day. The essential is not to express our own non-essential doctrine, no matter how resolutely we believe. Our doctrine is not what we are to share. What we are to share is the Gospel. What we are to share is the love of God. If anyone does not agree on these priorities, they are walking in darkness, no matter the level of their scholarly achievements. God wants achievement in getting out the Gospel and showing His love to the world and not in proclaiming one’s pride in their scholarly endeavors.
Yes, we will be known as disciples of Christ by our love and not by bickering over non-essential doctrine. If we are not known by our love for another, we are not legitimate children of God (1 John 4:7-8). This is what the Word of God says. Let’s love and support each other. Let’s love all the people of the world, as God does. Let’s share the love of God that is expressed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s be right before God. Let’s love. And always, in everything we do, let us give praise, gratitude and glory to our holy and loving God. Amen! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.