Keep Going

Keep Going
“The show must go on.” -Queen

 Acts 15 is a wonderful story of healing in the church. The story begins with controversy as some teachers from the church in Jerusalem try and persuade the Gentiles in Antioch that they must be circumcised in order to be saved. This teaching occasions a church council in Jerusalem, where the early church leaders decide that circumcision is not necessary for salvation. This good news is communicated to the Gentiles in Antioch and the peace of the church is restored.
 
But then something strange happens. The chapter doesn’t end on a feel-good note. Instead, it ends with new division. Paul and Barnabas get into an argument over a young man named Mark. Barnabas wants to take him on the next missionary journey, but Paul doesn’t. So they split up! These two great pillars of the church go their separate ways over what amounts to a personnel issue.
 
The Bible does not condemn Paul or Barnabas. God doesn’t give us an indication of who was right and who was wrong in this matter. So what are we supposed to learn?
 
I think we’re supposed to learn that the work must go on.
 
Theological disagreements in the church happen: do believers have to be circumcised or not? When such disagreements arise, they need to be handled. But once they’ve been handled, the work of the gospel must continue. Acts 15:35 says, “But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.” The disagreement was over, and they got back to work.
 
Similarly, personal disagreements in the church happen. One believer fights with another. Sometimes one leader fights with another. But when the disagreement has been settled, the work must go on. Acts 15:41 says, “[Paul and Silas] went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” The disagreement was over, and they got back to work.
 
May we learn from the church leaders in Acts 15. Disagreements happen. They must be dealt with. But then the work of the gospel must go on.
 
Your Pastor and Friend,
John Knox Foster