In the dispute over circumcision, Peter, Barnabas, and Paul began by remembering what God has done. Acts 10 tells the story of Peter meeting and preaching to Cornelius, a Roman centurion. The Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles just as He had on the disciples earlier.
When Peter returned to Jerusalem after this incident, hardliners had criticized him. But when they heard the story, they agreed with Peter. Acts 11: 18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.[1]
Now, as the debate continues over the issue of the need for Gentile believers to receive circumcision, Peter reminded them of this event. Acts 15: 7 At the meeting, after a long discussion, Peter stood and addressed them as follows: “Brothers, you all know that God chose me from among you some time ago to preach to the Gentiles so that they could hear the Good News and believe. 8 God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith.[2]
Paul and Barnabas’ Mission Trip
Part of the reason for the Jerusalem Council was that many Gentiles had become believers during Paul and Barnabas’s first mission trip. They had preached how the death and resurrection of Jesus had changed things. Through Jesus’ work on the cross, God’s long-awaited plan has been put in place, and God is building a new family without racial divisions. Anyone can find salvation through faith in Jesus.
We think Paul had just written the letter to the Galatian churches to counter hardliners who had gone to the churches of Galatia and claimed Paul hadn’t told them the whole truth. They must become Jews first before becoming believers. That meant getting circumcised and following Mosaic law. Now, at the council, the two apostles begin remembering what God has done.
Acts 15: 12 Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. [3] “The Greek word for “signs” (semeia) suggests “miracles that point to a divine truth.” “Wonders” (teras) are divine acts that produce awe. The clear implication is that these supernatural events signified God’s endorsement and blessing of their ministry to non-Jews.”[4]
Remembering God during a Conflict
Emotions may run high during conflicts, making it difficult to think clearly. But when we take time to remember God, He can give us wisdom to deal with the situation at hand. Peter, Paul, and Barnabas give us models.
When we remember what God has done in the past, we begin to consider His character. Then we will respond with worship and gratitude for what has happened in the past. Not only that, but remembering helps build faith for what God will do in the future. As we remember God’s works, we will gain a new perspective. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/revisiting-to-encourage
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[4] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts (p. 255). Tyndale House.