After Pentecost: The Disciples DeployedSample

Unity for the Sake of the Gospel

Handled correctly, disputes between believers can refocus everyone on the overarching objective of our faith, the advancement of the Gospel for God’s ultimate glory. 

Early on, a dispute arose between Jewish and Gentile believers. Jewish believers wanted Gentile believers to be circumcised like they were. They believed that anyone with a consecrated heart ought to consecrate their body as well, but Gentile believers did not see the need. As they understood it, the Gospel only required the consecration of their hearts and minds, not their bodies beyond what was necessary for holy living. 

After much consideration, Peter and James (the brother of Jesus, not the brother of John, who had been martyred) urged Jewish believers not to burden their Gentile siblings by asking them to do extra things, but to guide the Gentiles into purity by asking them not to do things that would hinder their worship or distract the Jews, making it easier for them to coexist and thrive. 

Peter and James encouraged all believers toward unity for the sake of the Gospel, freeing them to run ahead in their calling instead of stumbling over minor details. 

Sometimes, brothers and sisters in Christ with different opinions, methodologies, and/or interpretations of events have to agree to disagree and move on for the sake of the Kingdom. Such was the case with Paul and Barnabas. They had history together and were very close, but they disagreed on how to handle John Mark’s failure to follow through on an assignment. 

Both having the Kingdom in mind, Barnabas wanted to restore John Mark by giving him another opportunity to grow through service, but Paul did not want to risk being short-handed for the work God had called them to. 

Unable to reach an agreement, Paul and Barnabas chose different partners, parted ways, and continued to advance truth. They agreed that God’s Kingdom was their first priority and chose not to allow personal differences to shift their focus or slow their momentum. Before his death, Paul summoned John Mark, giving us reason to believe their relationship survived this disagreement. 

What about you? Which do you care about most, preserving unity in the Church or winning arguments? Are you a peacemaker or a pot stirrer? Does the way that you handle conflict glorify God? Are you more interested in setting people free to pursue their calling or bringing them in line?