CHURCH UNITY THROUGH THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM

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

Description:
Doctrinal disputes should be resolved in the spirit of unity and truth through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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)
With the matter resolved, the apostles continued preaching boldly, and the Church’s witness became stronger.

c) Unity Preserved the Church’s Testimony (John 17:21)
Jesus prayed for unity because it validates the Church’s message before the world. Division weakens our testimony, but unity glorifies God.

d) Mutual Respect Was Restored Among Believers (Romans 14:19)
The Church learned to pursue peace and mutual edification instead of insisting on personal opinions.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah uniting the people to rebuild the wall (Nehemiah 4:6) illustrates the power of collective unity and cooperation.

CONCLUSION:
The Council at Jerusalem teaches that genuine unity is achieved when God’s people humble themselves, submit to His Word, and depend on the Holy Spirit. When truth and love work together, confusion gives way to clarity, and division turns into harmony.

As believers, we must always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in resolving conflicts. True unity does not mean agreement at all costs; it means standing on God’s truth together with hearts filled with grace and peace.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, grant me the humility to seek peace and unity in every situation.
2. Holy Spirit, lead the Church into all truth.
3. Let every false doctrine in the body of Christ be exposed and destroyed.
4. Father, give our leaders divine wisdom to handle disputes.
5. Lord, help me to defend the gospel of grace with courage and love.
6. Silence every voice of confusion and division in the Church.
7. Strengthen the bond of peace among believers in my assembly.
8. Let the voice of the Holy Spirit prevail in every Church council.
9. Father, make me an instrument of reconciliation and unity.
10. Let Your truth and grace reign in the global body of Christ.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall be a vessel of truth, peace, and unity in the body of Christ!
2. The wisdom of God shall guide your words and decisions!
3. Every spirit of confusion around you is silenced by the Holy Ghost!
4. You will not be deceived by false doctrines or divisive teachings!
5. The peace of God will reign in your home, Church, and ministry!
6. You shall bring healing and reconciliation wherever you go!
7. Divine understanding shall flow through you in times of conflict!
8. You will operate under the influence and leading of the Holy Spirit!
9. Your voice shall bring clarity and calm in moments of disagreement!
10. The Church of Christ in your generation shall grow stronger in unity and truth!