Day 318

Acts 15:1-21; Galatians 3:24-6:18. “Conflict Resolution”

         Paul and Barnabas “argued forcefully and at length” with a believer teaching other believers something they felt was wrong.  As leaders, Paul and Barnabas were obligated to confront those who taught Christians a false teaching.  Disciples of Christ must get to a point where they can discern the truth, but if that is not happening then the shepherd or mature leader must step in and protect the other brothers and sisters from deception.  There will be times this reaches a point of conflict and the passage in Acts 15 reveals how the church in Antioch and Jerusalem resolved conflict.  The group of leaders met together to first communicate openly in order to clarify the argument.  Their conversation was productive.  Their attitude was one of genuine concern with regard to one another and the topic.  Peter, whom had just been confronted by Paul on the very topic being discussed, stood to testify how he had previously believed in error.  James stood later and summarized the reports and drew up the decision as he quoted from the books of Amos and Isaiah.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?