Let’s look at the context for the second missionary journey taken by Paul.
Judaizers – people who taught that you must become Jewish, including circumcision, before becoming a Christian – had come down to Antioch from Jerusalem. It was summer of the year 49AD and their teachings had been circulating for over a year. They had been chasing Paul from town to town during the first missionary journey. If this was not really required by God, this teaching would become a stumbling block to many Gentile believers.
Despite their contrary teaching, the efforts of Paul, Barnabas, Titus and others were being thwarted by the teaching of the Judaizers. Leaders of the Christian movement needed to address the issue and offer an accepted teaching. People gathered in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1-2) to discuss the relationship between circumcision and salvation. The conference takes place in the Fall of 49AD around the time of the Feast of Tabernacles (Acts 15:2).
The interesting thing in this passage is the term “no small dissension” (Acts 15:2). It is similar to the concept that is presented later in the chapter (Acts 15:39). What happens when there are disagreements between Christians? More importantly, what happens when Christians have different opinions on matters addressed by Scriptures? It appears to me that this very real issue of our day is addressed in the first century.
How does a Christian handle disagreements with other Christians? Do all Christians have to agree on everything? It seems that doctrine falls into one of three categories. One level of teaching touches things that are of “first importance.” These doctrines are such that to disagree with them alters the very nature of the Christian faith. The resurrection would be one of those teachings. To deny that Jesus was raised from the dead defeats the foundation of Christian belief.
The “council” held in Jerusalem to address the issue raised by Judaizers is an example. People gathered (Acts 15:6) and debated the issue (Acts 15:7). Finally a decision was made (Acts 15:13). Paul’s second missionary journey occurs to help people understand the decision.
There is a second level of doctrine that dictates fellowship. My understanding of such a doctrine alters whether we can worship together. Many of these doctrines need not be issues of fellowship, but we make them such. Take music as an example. Some Christians believe that musical instruments should not be used in the church service. Other Christians affirm teaching that allows instruments. Some may not have a preference in worship music, but others would rather gather to worship with believers who share their preference. The doctrine of communion and baptism may fall into this category.
There is a third level of teaching that seems to always rest as a “matter of opinion” and should never be used as a doctrine of division. Should a church hold a worship service on a Thursday evening? Will the Lord’s second coming be premillennial or postmillennial? The Bible does not make the answer clear, or it teaches that no one will know the exact answer.
When disagreements occur, it is vital how Christians handle the conflict. Respectful disagreement needs to occur. The ultimate answer comes from leaders and others searching the Scripture honestly and settling on an understanding what the Bible teaches. It does not require compromise, but consensus. “You know, I thought the Scripture said this, but after studying it with you, it is obvious this is what is taught.”
How does a person of Christian faith and morals function in a culture that does not understand it, nor apply the same faith and moral? Do you see similarities to our culture today? Can you understand the importance of these journeys for our own time?
How does a Christian react and respond to those who persecute them because of their faith and behavior? If the persecution becomes severe, how does one keep from abandoning the faith? As culture is confronted by the truths of Christianity, culture may be told it is wrong and that it needs to change. The result is often persecution and violence.
But notice when truth is communicated with love, the result is positive. When Christians heard what the truth from Scripture was, they rejoiced because they were encouraged (Acts 15:31). The result was peace (Acts 15:33).
“And Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord” (Acts 15:35). We open the doors to problems when we don’t teach the Word because we are afraid of how people will react (you have no control over that, by the way). Problems exist when we teach matters of opinion as a matter of first importance (the difficulty here is deciding which is which). Problems arise when we fail to teach truth with love. Finally, problems occur when we fail to use the Bible as the agreed-upon standard.