Church Unity Through The Council At Jerusalem Series

CHURCH UNITY THROUGH THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 15:1-29

Key Verse: “It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us.” (Acts 15:28)

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 2:2; John 17:21

INTRODUCTION:

The early Church was not immune to challenges, especially those arising from doctrinal disagreements. In Acts 15, the question of whether Gentile converts should be circumcised or observe the Law of Moses threatened to divide the believers. However, instead of allowing strife to prevail, the apostles and elders gathered at Jerusalem to seek divine direction.

Their approach was guided by humility, open discussion, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. The result was a unified Church, strengthened in truth and love. This landmark event became a model for resolving conflicts in the body of Christ.

Today’s Church can learn from their example; that unity is not achieved through compromise of doctrine, but through submission to God’s Word and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. When believers seek truth in love and unity of purpose, the Church becomes stronger and more effective in its mission to the world.

1. THE ROOT OF THE CONTROVERSY

The Council at Jerusalem was convened because false teachings had entered the Church, bringing confusion and division. Understanding how it began helps us appreciate the wisdom with which the apostles handled the matter.

a) False Doctrines Cause Division (Acts 15:1)

Some Jewish believers insisted that circumcision was necessary for salvation. Their teaching caused unrest and confusion among Gentile converts, showing how easily wrong doctrine can divide God’s people.

b) Apostolic Confrontation of Error (Acts 15:2)

Paul and Barnabas boldly confronted these false teachers. Instead of ignoring the issue, they took it to Jerusalem for resolution, teaching us to confront falsehood with truth and humility.

c) The Church Must Defend the Gospel of Grace (Galatians 1:6-9)

Paul warned that any message that adds human requirements to grace perverts the gospel. Every generation of believers must stand firm in the purity of the message of Christ.

d) Disputes Can Strengthen Faith When Handled Wisely (Proverbs 27:17)

When disagreements are addressed in the fear of God, they can lead to deeper understanding and unity.

Biblical Example: Jesus confronting the Pharisees’ traditions (Matthew 15:1-9) showed that truth must be defended even when it causes tension.

2. THE WISDOM OF THE APOSTLES AND ELDERS

The leadership of the early Church responded to the dispute with maturity and spiritual discernment. They gathered to seek divine guidance and reason together in love.

a) Spiritual Leaders Must Provide Direction (Acts 15:6)

The apostles and elders gathered not to argue but to seek God’s counsel, proving that spiritual matters require spiritual leadership.

b) Peter Testified of God’s Grace to the Gentiles (Acts 15:7-11)

Peter reminded the council that God had already accepted the Gentiles by faith, pouring out the Holy Spirit upon them without the law.

c) Scripture Confirms the Spirit’s Work (Acts 15:15-18)

James quoted the prophet Amos, confirming from Scripture that God intended to include the Gentiles in His redemptive plan.

d) The Spirit Brings Consensus Among Believers (Acts 15:28)

Their conclusion was not based on human reasoning but on the witness of the Holy Ghost: “It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us.”

Biblical Example: Moses consulting God through Jethro’s counsel (Exodus 18:13-26) shows that wise leadership listens and seeks divine direction.

3. THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN RESOLVING DISPUTES

Every true resolution in the Church must be guided by the Spirit of God, not by personal opinions or emotions. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, harmony, and divine order.

a) The Spirit Leads the Church into All Truth (John 16:13)

The Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher who reveals God’s mind beyond human understanding.

b) The Spirit Promotes Peace and Unity (Ephesians 4:3)

When believers walk in the Spirit, peace and harmony are the natural outcome, even in the midst of conflict.

c) The Spirit Confirms God’s Will Through Agreement (Acts 15:28)

The phrase “It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us” reveals a divine-human partnership in decision-making guided by the Spirit.

d) The Spirit Unites Diverse Believers for a Common Purpose (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

In the body of Christ, diversity becomes strength when the Spirit rules in love and truth.

Biblical Example: The Holy Spirit directing Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:29) demonstrates divine coordination in decision and mission.

4. THE OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL’S DECISION

The wise and Spirit-led decision of the apostles brought healing, peace, and renewed purpose to the Church. Unity was restored and the mission of the gospel advanced.

a) The Church Maintained Unity and Encouragement (Acts 15:30-31)

The letter from Jerusalem brought great joy and comfort to the Gentile believers, ending confusion and conflict.

b) Doctrinal Clarity Strengthened Evangelism (Acts 15:35)