24/10/2022 - GREAT DISPUTE IN THE CHURCH

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And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.  Acts 15.7

At the beginning of the church, when multitudes were being converted to the Gospel, many had not yet learned to be tolerant of one another or to bear good witness to the Truth. So, there was dispute among them. The Gospel is the message of peace capable of providing solutions to adversity, but because many do not delve into God’s will, we see problems among the saved. Now, those who have experience in the Word, when touched by the Spirit of God, should calm their tempers (Matthew 5.9).

That day, in the meeting in Jerusalem, if they continued to let the participants speak what they wanted, they could reach a point that would not be good, such as physical aggression. The apostle Peter, trained by the Master for three and a half years, understood that he had to take charge of the situation and lead them to the place where they should never have left: the divine presence. It is unimaginable to have discord among those who have the power to give peace (Matthew 12.13). However, if one obeys God, there will be peace.

Peter was restless. No doubt the Holy Spirit touched him to act in that service, and with that the spirit of confusion was cast out. When we don’t let God use us, bad things happen and lead us to the worst decisions. Many saved people, feeling discriminated against for one reason or another, have brought simple claims to the justice of men that would be settled if they listened to those experienced in the Lord’s precepts. This is a defeat for Christians (1 Corinthians 6.1).

The apostle stood up with God’s authority, he did not yell. In a simple and gentle way, he showed that God had elected him to lead the Gentiles to salvation. These were the reasons of the quarrel, for because they accepted Jesus as Savior when they were still immature, they did not know the new doctrine brought by the Lord, the Gospel, and they wanted the newcomers to God to fulfill the whole ritual of the Old Testament. Now, where there is disagreement, there is a lack of biblical teaching. Pray!

Peter began by dissertating about his call, leading people to understand that he had the authority to put an end to the dispute. Now, if he hadn’t done what he was told a long time ago, he could have never been used at that moment. Now, that noise was meaningless. We will never know in advance the missions for which we are prepared by God, so we must receive all His teachings.

Jesus showed that He was in the ministry because the Father Himself called Him. It is best that we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit, for we too have been called by Him. The Word declares:  So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6). The yoke is gentle!

When the issues are presented before the revelation of the Scriptures, people will yield to Him and strife will cease; evils will be healed, and all will be well with one another. Nothing is stronger than the operation of the Spirit of God. To Him be the glory, the honor and the praise!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares