Day 325, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Acts 15:1-35
Conflict Resolution
What is one thing a mother or teacher is called upon to do with growing children? Settle conflicts. How does she do it? Does she referee, or does she lead them to work it out amongst themselves? How do we do it? Today, we will look at how a conflict was resolved in a church. The same principles could apply to a family, friendship, business, or other organization.
Resolving church conflicts is different than settling personal differences. Many churches are independent and self-governing (autonomous). In a group of autonomous churches, when one church doesn’t act with purity of doctrine, the most the other churches can do is remove them from their fellowship. Antioch was an autonomous and independent church from her “mother” church in Jerusalem.
A Conflict Arises in the Early Church
Shortly after Paul writes a letter to the people in the southern region of Galatia (Turkey), a group of Jews from Jerusalem come to the church in Antioch. Antioch is composed of many Gentile (non-Jewish) believers. The Jews start spouting the same errors in their beliefs that deceived the Galatian believers: the Gentile believers must keep the Law of Moses and be circumcised to become Christians.
This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question (Acts 15:2, NIV).
This brings us to our first principle in Conflict Resolution:
If Possible, Handle the Situation Personally
Misunderstandings can arise from texts, e-mails, conference calls, snail mail, or telephone conversations. Rumors starting from poor communication can be devastating to a relationship. Love is shown when you think enough of a person to give him your personal time. You can’t look into the face of those sharing their opinions or observe their body language to judge their reactions if you can’t see them. Therefore, if at all possible, handle conflicts personally.
Next...
Have Open Communications and Listen
Immediately after the conference begins, the believers who belong to the Pharisees’ party (Jewish religious leaders) present their case. They say that the Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to be saved.
The apostles and elders meet to discuss this question. After much talk among themselves, the Apostle Peter reminds the believers how God showed him a sign from heaven to accept Gentiles (Acts 10). He then testifies that God “made no distinction between us [Jews] and them [Gentiles], for he purified their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9, NIV). Afterward, Paul and Barnabas share testimonies with the congregation about the “miraculous signs and wonders the Lord did among the Gentiles through them” (Acts 15:12, NIV). The second principle we can learn about conflict resolution is to have open communication with all involved and seek the truth.
Next...
Be Sensitive, and if Possible, Compromise
After hearing all the testimonies, James, the brother of Jesus, a leader and perhaps the church pastor in Jerusalem, seeks a compromise. He recognizes that salvation is by faith in Christ alone but suggests concessions so the Gentiles will not offend Jewish Christians in their synagogues. James says,
It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath (Acts 15:19-21, NIV).
Last...
Come to a Consensus and Implement It
The assembly agrees with this resolution. Then the messengers gladly take the decision to their congregation in Antioch and give a report. On a second missionary journey, Paul and Silas share the decision with all the other churches in Asia Minor (Turkey). In resolving conflicts, it is essential to show wise leadership. We need to come to a consensus and implement it, but do everything in love.
Discussion
What are some principles we might use to resolve conflicts? Why are they helpful?
Should we ever compromise or make concessions? When is that okay?
Focus Verse
Colossians 4:6 (NIV) “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
This is my prayer response: Dear Father in heaven, you are holy and righteous. You are loving. You are wise beyond all measure. Help us to resolve conflicts to bring healing in our relationships and be an example for others. May this be a good testimony of truth and grace that leads many people to seek your ways and your kingdom. There they might find peace for their souls. We know you don’t want any to perish but all to come to repentance.
Please, as you have done in the past, provide for our daily needs. Then people will see that we have God beside us, helping us bear any hardships.
Forgive us for our sins, for leaving conflicts unresolved when it was possible to address them. Help us forgive others who hurt us or who have come to us for forgiveness. I pray we might seek reasonable compromises and extend grace. In the name of your dear Son, Jesus, and for your glory, I pray. Amen.
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: We have made decisions. How can we know if we are Working with the Holy Spirit? Discover the nature of the Spirit's work in Paul's second missionary journey. This is covered in our Next Lesson.
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