Chapter 15 is one of the most important passages in Acts and covers one of the most significant events in church history – the Council of Jerusalem, where it was determined that one did not have to become culturally or religiously Jewish to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I would encourage each of you to read this account in 15:1-29 carefully and perhaps even take the time to read Paul’s letter to the Galatians which covers this very issue and which I believe was written before the final decision of this council. Having said all that, I won’t be sharing from any of that account but would like to point out another example of Luke airing the church’s dirty laundry for everyone to see, another example of the credibility and historicity of this book.
Acts 15:39 – They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company…(CSB) Here it is; the two spiritual giants of the day, Paul and Barnabas, in a knock-down, drag-out fight over whether to give Mark a second chance and to again accompany them on their second missionary journey. Barnabas says yes, Paul says no, and they never come to an agreement. What a shame that such conflict characterized the early church. Why no compromise? Why split up? While I don’t think this disagreement was handled particularly well, notice again how God uses the sinful choices of human beings to accomplish his purposes. What is the ultimate result if this fight? Missionary efforts are now doubled! Barnabas takes Mark and heads to Cyprus. Paul takes Silas and returns to Asia Minor and will be led into Europe. Nothing can thwart God’s purposes, not even our selfishness and hard-headedness. Nothing can thwart God’s purposes. He sovereignly uses our sin sinlessly to accomplish his plans. Nothing can thwart God’s purposes. Praise God that he is a God who can say, “I am God and there is no one like me. My plan will take place and I will do all my will. I have spoken and I will also bring it about. I have planned it; I will also do it.” (Isaiah 46:10-11)
Blessings!