admin The Book of Acts is an almost breathtaking account of the early establishment and growth of the church against great odds. Needless to say, this growth was not without its problems. The role that conflict played in shaping the direction and mission of the church will be considered here. Three important places where this took place in Acts will now be addressed along with outcomes and lessons to our lives today.
Jerusalem: The Conflict Over Gentile Inclusion
Scripture Reference: Acts 15:1-3 3 places in acts where conflict occurred
The very first and most important conflict was the one that involved the church in Jerusalem, the Council of Jerusalem. As more and more Gentiles were receiving Christianity, a question arose as to whether the Gentiles needed to adhere to the traditional Jewish law, particularly circumcision. Some of the Jewish Christians felt that one had to be circumcised, while others such as Paul and Barnabas supported salvation by faith. The apostles and elders met to consider the matter. After much debate, Peter suggested that Gentiles should not be burdened with the whole Jewish law but supported faith and grace as important aspects of salvation.
Lessons:
Open and respectful argumentation is used to work through theological disagreement.
The balance of tradition and inclusiveness goes hand in hand with the development and growth in unity of the church.
Decisions must be taken under the guidance of the Holy Spirit supported by Scripture.
Antioch: Paul and Peter’s Disagreement
Scripture Reference: Acts 11:1-18; Galatians 2:11-14 Related Account
Another sharp dispute which arose in Antioch was between the two important leaders of the young church, Paul and Peter. Peter was having fellowship with the Gentiles, but when several Jewish Christians came, Peter drew back, keeping himself aloof from them. This partiality annoyed Paul, who publicly rebuked Peter.
This is an incident highlighting the challenge of putting different cultural backgrounds into one community. While the confrontation could have caused a deeper rift, it ultimately served as a lesson in accountability and consistency in living out the gospel.
Lessons:
Leaders are not above being corrected; accountability strengthens the church.
Courage to address uncomfortable issues builds integrity and unity.
The gospel requires us to lay aside our cultural prejudices for true fellowship.At Ephesus, conflict arose not within the church but between the church and the surrounding culture. Paul’s preaching against idolatry began to impact the local economy, in particular the trade of silver shrines devoted to the goddess Artemis.
This stirred up a riot led by a silversmith, the threat posed by Paul’s message against his business interests. The riot immediately escalated out of control but ultimately was resolved peacefully as a result of the intervention of the city official involved.
Lessons:
The gospel challenges culture and at times even disrupts economic structures that stand in opposition to God’s truth.
Prudence and restraint in the face of confrontation serve the interests of peace.
Perpetuating God’s mission may be opposed; however, God brings through protection and leadership.
Conclusion
Conflict is inevitable even inside of the church. Confrontations arise quite often. The early church did have to face several fundamental aspects that threatened unity, integrity, even mission. From the Jerusalem theological debates, to cultural tension in Antioch to socio-tussles in Ephesus became the very opportunities that worked positively for growth into the meaning and practice of God’s purpose in His life.
