ACTS 15:36-41
When Good Men Fight
In today’s sermon we are going to look at two powerful lessons every member of the church needs to master.
The first is honoring Christ in our conflicts – and the second is upholding unity in the church.
We find the setting for this lesson from scripture in Acts 15:36-41 as Paul and Barnabas prepared to head out on the Second Missionary Journey.
Historically it appears that Paul and Barnabas spent about 18-months on the First Missionary Journey.
God called these two men to the work, and the church sent them out to share the gospel further than it had ever gone before.
They were sent out from the Church of Antioch in Syria and traveled to Cyprus and later into the region of Galatia.
They travelled to the cities of Antioch in Pisidia and then to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe before finally returning to Syria and then to Jerusalem to give the church leaders there a report.
In the last two sermons we looked at some of the conflicts the early church faced as the church leaders worked toward unity in the church.
We can clearly see how difficult this was!
People from different regions, countries and VERY different backgrounds and cultures were all RECEIVING the Gospel of Jesus Christ and BELIEVING the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
To all who believed - The gift of the salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God became their new identity as FOLLOWERS of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
But cultures clashed and opinions flashed as tempers were tested.
There were those who were convinced the old ways MUST be honored within the NEW way.
We saw in Acts 15:1 the immediate conflict was centered on the matter of circumcision – that time honored command from the LORD that all Jewish males must be circumcised in recognition of their heritage as the Nation of Israel, God’s chosen people.
Acts 15:1 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
Of course, the debate immediately caused fear, uncertainty, and doubt among the Gentiles!
“Silas, Paul and Barnabas all taught that we are saved by our faith. Is faith not enough?!”
“What else must I do to be saved?”
Barnabas and Paul were quick to wade into the middle of debate.
Acts 15:2
2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.
Can you imagine that first appeal?
PAUL was a passionate, zealous, defender of the Righteousness of God. A bold speaker, being well-schooled in matters of The Law of Moses from his time as a Pharisee.
PAUL was a passionate, zealous, defender of the Righteousness of God. A bold speaker, being well-schooled in matters of The Law of Moses from his time as a Pharisee.
Never mind the fact the whole matter had already been settled by the Jerusalem Counsel when they heard testimony of the Roman Gentile, Cornelius.
Cornelius and his household had received the gospel of Jesus Christ by faith and publicly received the gift of the Holy Spirit, as confirmed by their response is speaking in tongues.
Of this encounter the Apostle Peter had affirmed the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit the same as believing Jews and not to refuse them the waters of Baptism.
Peter identified them then as equal partakers and members of the Christ’s Church.
Nonetheless – conflict can come up almost anytime and over almost any reason it seems.
In the over 15 years of church leadership, I have been a part of I have seen this to be true time, and time again.
And what I have seen is that quite often – if not in almost every occurrence –
Which is why our two MAIN POINTS for this sermon are so important.
If then we can presume that we will have conflict within the church from time to time– then it is imperative for us to learn how to-
And to-
From last week’s message, from Acts 15, we saw a conflict arise in the church regarding the application of the Doctrine of Grace and the application of obedience to God’s law.
Conflicts of this nature have, do and will cause problems for the church.
I give a hearty AMEN to the conclusions I took from Pastor Dennis’ sermon –
Last week, from the first part of Acts 15, we read how this matter was doing just that –
One of the most tragic consequences of those things is not only our own stumbling to bring glory to God –
But that we might in anyway become a stumbling block to someone else who might turn away from seeking Jesus –
Can you even imagine the pain you would feel if you became aware that a person was considering coming to our church, or seeking Jesus at all, and turned away, back to the world, because of division, and lack of unity, due to conflict within our walls?
In John 17, Jesus spoke to God the Father regarding all those who would follow Him and become disciples of His teaching.
Jesus prayed that we would know Him as our King and our Savior – For in Him alone rests authority over the flesh, forgiveness and eternal life.
He prayed we would have faith to trust in the things revealed and to follow Him.
Knowing that He would one day leave the world – but that the church would remain to carry on His work...
- Jesus prayed we would know His Word, Obey His Word and that God the Father would keep us as the world hated us for being a people of the Word.
He then spoke to our sanctification – that is our condition by faith in Christ Jesus of being “set apart for a holy purpose.”
John 17:17-21
17“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18“As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19“For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.
20“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
While there are many elements of this prayer we could consider –
Jesus set Himself apart for a holy purpose – to the glory of the Father to live, to lead and to die – to open a door of salvation for all who would believe to have their sins forgiven.
To call by grace through faith a people who would become ONE people – the family of God.
For today, I want us to look at the last part of these passages as Jesus called us to be people united by the truth of God’s word-
21that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
You and I, being fitted together as the body of Christ – members of the flock of God – are to have UNITY in this – That we have all been called to be sanctified by the truth of God’s word.
And one of the reasons for this unity in the truth of God’s Word – is that the world might believe that God the Father has sent His Son to redeem a people in His name.
Now, you might be asking, “What does this have to do with our two main points today?”
It is this –
The more we understand how essential those two points are – the harder we will work to maintain them.
In the matter of the first conflict found in the first half of Acts 15, there was division over a matter of THE LAW versus GRACE.
Regardless of what the conflict might be that we could face –
I want us to see that-
#1 - The church quickly and decisively addressed the conflict.
- When Barnabas and Paul heard of the conflict, they addressed it head on.
- Too often people, even church leaders, can be too timid when speaking up and speaking clearly when addressing conflict.
- When we consider what is at stake – the danger of division, loss of unity, and less than fully honoring our Lord - it should embolden us to find our words.
#2 – The church considered the merits of the conflict and provided an authoritative response and instruction consistent with the character of the church according to the instructions and examples of our Lord.
- Leaders in the church didn’t simply dismiss the conflict – nor did they overlord their authority.
- Instead, they met to consider the merits of the conflict and addressed them through the understanding of the things instructed by Jesus and the character of the church that He had built.
Within our two main points of-
Comes the understanding that following a conflict, the church must find joy in that unity.
Acts 15:27-34 tells us the church leaders sent Paul, Barnabas, Judas and Silas back to Antioch, where the conflict had become known, to declare to the brethren the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the church leaders on the matter.
We read in verse 31 - When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
There is encouragement to be found in clear direction. Confusion can lead to doubt and doubt can lead to spiritual paralysis.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Conflict confuses our path – adding twists and turns in our walk as we follow Jesus.
Trusting in the counsel of God – Acknowledging Him – and seeking FIRST and FOREMOST to honor Christ and maintain unity in the church – Those things make straight our path and end the conflict as we set apart OUR way – for HIS WAY.
I wish I could tell you this understanding would solve ALL our problems –
But it won’t.
And scripture gives us an account of this as well.
As historians estimate the First Missionary Journey lasted about a-year-and-a-half, it appears that about two years passed before the Holy Spirit laid it on Paul’s heart to return to the cities they had visited to personally encourage the saints there.
During the First Missionary Journey they had left Antioch in Persia and visited Seleucia and Salamis in Cyprus – then sailed from Paphos to Perga in Asia Minor – they visited Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe in the region of Galatia and then made their way back to Antioch in Persia.
Over the following months, those who had received and believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ had shared the message of the gospel with others. And in these cities people were beginning to gather to pray and for fellowship.
They were called an Ekklesia-a gathering of like-minded people – the church.
And Paul longed to return to these churches to provide further instruction – to equip and to encourage them.
Remember – these people did not have “the bible.”
They did not have trained and equipped pastors and elders.
Many of them existed alongside synagogues – who taught the word of God – but denied Jesus as the fulfilment of the prophecies.
How frustrating this must have been for them – and how great the need for someone to come to equip, train and to encourage them!
ACTS 15:36
36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
It's interesting to recall that it was Barnabas who was first sent to Antioch to preach to the Gentiles – Acts 11:22
And Barnabas who travelled to Tarsus to enlist the help of Paul – Acts 11:25
Even further back, we remember that when the Apostles were dubious of the accounts that the Pharisee Saul had received the gospel of Jesus Christ by faith and desired to join the fellowship – that it was Barnabas who stood by Saul’s side to affirm him – Acts 9:27
Now these two brothers in Christ had been serving shoulder to shoulder for over three years.
They had faced ridicule, persecution, allegations and even severe punishments together.
So, it should be of little surprise to us that as Paul felt the call and the longing to return to the missionary road – that he would turn to Barnabas to join him.
What happened next, well… it caused conflict.
ACTS 15:37-39
37 Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.
Yikes.
You might recall from past sermons that during the First Missionary Journey, Barnabas and Paul brought Barnabas’ cousin, John, who was also known as Mark, along with them.
Almost immediately the missionary team encountered opposition.
We read in Acts 13:13 Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem.
Scripture does not tell us WHY John Mark returned to Jerusalem.
He was a young man who had had been living with his mother prior to these things.
Perhaps spiritual maturity or even general maturity were a factor. We just do not know.
What we DO KNOW is that Paul took it as a great offense to the work they were about.
In this conflict we see two “good men” – Godly men – both with a desire and a calling on their lives to serve God by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.
But in this matter – their Personalities, Convictions, and Methodology came into conflict.
Again, these were two very different men–
Paul was a man who loved God. He was a bold, unapologetic, and zealous man.
- From his time as a pharisee and his hearty agreement in the stoning of Steven for sharing the gospel.
- To his commitment now to that same Gospel preached- such that after being stoned and dragged out of the city of Lystra – he stood up, walked back in and preached the Word.
Barnabas was a man who loved God. He was gentle, thoughtful and kind.
- From his trust in the work of the Holy Spirit in the Saul/Paul and his willingness to give Saul a fair hearing before the Apostles
- His decision to partner with Paul for the sake of those who would hear the Gospel preached in Gentile lands.
- From his desire to bring John Mark with them the first time, to grow and mature spiritually.
- To now wanting to give him a second chance.
Two very different men. Different personalities. Different convictions. Different methods- Yet both possessing the same desire to honor and serve Christ Jesus.
From their past, we know that both had a love and respect for each other.
– BUT – here they were, facing off head-to-head over the matter of John Mark.
Hear the determination of their positions-
That Paul “kept insisting” that John Mark NOT go – is to understand that Barnabas was just as insistent that he WOULD go!
Paul makes clear his reasoning was that John Mark and departed from them, left them, even deserted them according to some translations.
For Paul, the unapologetic and zealous man of action – the offense of departing from the work was more than he could stomach when the work was so important.
For Barnabas, the encourager, it was an opportunity to encourage and equip a brother in Christ for further ministry.
Understand the dispute over this subject was heated between these two brothers.
The Greek word interpreted here as “sharp disagreement” is {paraoxusmos} which speaks to contention, or provocation.
Both were convinced the other was wrong.
And it “provoked” them to a point where an action had to follow.
And here lies our challenge when we are provoked – when conflict enters our equation – HOW WILL WE RESPOND?
Because here is what we know – We will respond.
In some way, by some manner, in word or deed, you and I will respond to conflict.
Our challenge, our calling, God’s expectation of us as members of the body of Christ, is that we will respond in a way that-
Ephesians 4:26-27
BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity
Whew, that’s the hard part. When we are confronted, challenged, and find ourselves in conflict – it is easy, even natural, to become angry.
Be angry- God’s word tells us be angry. There are things worth being upset about.
Jesus was angry when he turned over the tables in the temple courtyards – twice!
But God instructs us to be angry – and do not sin.
That is, in your anger –
And sometimes – the best response to conflict - To Honor Christ and Uphold Unity – is to walk away.
ACTS 15:40-41
40 But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Now some people ask the question- Who was right and who was wrong?
In way of a response, I don’t believe either was “wrong.”
I believe they both had good reasons for their actions, based on their own their Personalities, Convictions, and Methodology of serving the Lord.
Is it possible for there to be more than one “right way” to serve the Lord? Absolutely.
Can God bring forth great results from the conflicts that come into the church?
Absolutely.
Especially when we all seek to resolve them by
Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways –
Though they had separated – God used their conflict – then creating two missionary teams from what before had only been one!
Paul would go on to take Silas on the journey with him – surely a blessing for Silas.
Barnabas took John Mark – and through their travels he equipped and encouraging him as he grew in spiritual maturity and usefulness to the Lord.
Paul would go on to take another young man under his wing – Timothy from Derbe – to whom he would write letters of encouragement as that young man went on to become an evangelist and pastor.
Mark would go on to travel with Peter according to church tradition and eventually God inspired and worked through him to write the Gospel of Mark.
Paul would later recognize that growth and maturity in Mark –
In Paul’s letter to Philemon, he refers to Mark as a “Fellow worker” for the gospel. Philemon 1:24
In a letter to Timothy- Paul specifically asks for Mark to be sent to him in prison because he was “helpful in my ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11
So, why does it matter?
First, I want you to see that CONFLICT LEADS TO DIVISION.
And that DIVISION is CONTRARY to the will of God for His people.
Consider all the analogies, the imagery, that God has given us regarding the church.
It would be naïve to say that we can avoid conflict – it's going to happen in varying degrees of severity. We have to accept that.
But seeing the essential value in-
My prayer for each of us is that WHEN conflict comes – we choose to-
#1 – Quickly and decisively address the conflict.
#2 – To consider the merits of the conflict and provide an authoritative response and instruction consistent with the character of the church according to the instructions and examples of our Lord.
And friends, if necessary, to Honor Christ and Uphold Unity, that we would even be willing to walk away.
Because in the end – one day – those who honor Christ will be united forever. So until THAT day – let us resolve our conflicts in ways that honor Him.