Acts 15

The message for the disciples gets sidetracked. Some (from the Jerusalem mother church) are teaching that you must become a Jew (be circumcised) in order to become a Christian. Paul and Barnabas take issue with this and are asked to head south to talk to the Jerusalem church.

Christians in Jerusalem had some Pharisees among them. That is, Christians who were once Jewish scholars and leaders. These Pharisees wanted Christians to also follow Jewish customs. Peter speaks up. Remember, he was shown that God shows no partiality. Gentiles are loved by virtue of God's grace. Paul and Barnabas tell of the inroads made with Gentiles in their ministry. James concurs, saying the Old Testament prophets agreed in their prophecies. Funny thing was, the Council's final decree still contained encouragement to follow some Jewish observances. The Council sends out Paul and Barnabas and two of their own to tell the Gentile Christians.

 

Paul and Barnabas are ready to go back out on mission but disagree on John Mark. Barnabas wants to take him but Paul has no use for him since he left the group on the previous mission. Paul and Barnabas part company and go on mission to different places. Disagreements take place but do not become the work of the church. Churches are strengthened and new people hear the Gospel.