Daily Bread for Nov 21, Acts 14-15

Today’s readings are Acts 14-15.

That tension between evil and good escalates in Acts 14, where the gospel is met with belief in many cases but severe opposition in others. Paul is stoned and near death but undeterred in Acts 14:19-20. The church is expanding very rapidly but suffering great persecution at the same time. Here we see another biblical pattern. God's people grow and develop under persecution and oppression. They languish and struggle, losing their focus on Him when times are good.

Just as we repeatedly saw in the Old Testament, God uses oppression to strengthen His people and turn them toward Him.

We see some Interesting events in Acts 15. A structure is being formed within the new church. The Apostles go to Jerusalem to settle a doctrinal issue, "Should non-Jewish believers have to be circumcised to be saved?" The very first church council is held with James presiding over it. A decision must be made in what has turned out to be a contentious issue.

This debate has the potential to fracture the newly formed church. Both sides believe themselves to be right. It is an emotionally charged issue. Many years of tradition are behind those who support circumcision. Lacking a robust governing organization, this is the first internal challenge the church faces. How will the two opposing parties handle it?

Without the authority and guidelines of the New Testament to aid them, they depend on and trust the leadership structure they have been given. James makes a carefully considered opinion, and the rest of the Apostles abide by it, "The Gentiles do not have to be circumcised." The decision is accepted by all, and the church moves on in unity even though there are still two trains of thought. Neither is an essential of the faith and both are allowed to exist in the church. This event is a template for how tensions should be addressed in the church. Arguments should be heard, and a decision made by church leaders. Once a determination has been made, the church adheres and remains united.