Viral: Part 43 - Handling Conflict

In Acts 15:1-21 the Council in Jerusalem resolves a dispute brought by Pharisaical converts to Christianity from the Jerusalem church who wanted to impose the requirements of the Law of Moses upon the Gentiles. This week's text in Acts 15:22-35 features the letter produced by the church leaders gathered at the council conveying their Holy Spirit-led decision. The letter is an example of grace and tact and makes it clear that those who "troubled the Gentiles" were not official representatives of the Jerusalem church. The council requests certain accommodations on the part of the Gentiles in order to facilitate table fellowship between Jews for Jesus and Gentiles for Jesus. The letter is measured in its expectations and results in great rejoicing. This sermon also challenges us to avoid the temptation to try and resolve conflicts through impersonal means such as emails or social media posts and extols the value in face-to-face negotiation. Several other practical applications are drawn from this text.