Acts 15 - The Great Debate: Unity, Diversity, and Grace

John 20:30–31 CSB

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Big Idea: In Christ, grace and love guide us to unity in diversity as we navigate tough discussions and decisions in the church.

Introduction

What are the great debates in all of history? Depends on what you believe a debate is. We could say that a debate is man vs. man like Kennedy v. Nixon debate in 1960 which was the first live Presidential debate on TV. Maybe you’re an armchair historian and know about the Lincoln v. Douglas debates in 1864. even though Lincoln wound up winning the election most historians believe that the debates were a draw. They even lasted 3 hours a piece AND they debated 7 times! What about Reagan v. anybody? Reagan may have been our best debating President by a long shot.

Or maybe you think of great debates more along the lines of specific topics, ideas, thoughts, or conspiracies v. what is sold to us as “truth.” Examples… Best athlete in a sport, best food in the world, who really shot JFK, did Hitler actually commit suicide or did he escape Germany, and does pineapple actually go pizza?

Now what about great debates in church history? Eastern v. Western Orthodox, The RCC v. Galileo, The RCC v. Luther, The RCC v. Henry VIII, basically The RCC v. anyone who didn’t agree with them. How about more modern debates… music, preaching style, what type of outreach should we be doing, what carpet color is best, should we buy this brand or that brand of fridge or even a new fridge at all?

What about the first recorded debate in church history? Acts 15 captures a defining moment for the early church: the Jerusalem Council, where believers grappled with the question of whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish customs, specifically circumcision, to be saved. This chapter is a powerful narrative of tension, debate, and resolution, revealing how the early church sought unity amidst diversity through the lens of God’s grace. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “Grace is the first and last moving cause of salvation; and the channel by which it flows is the work of Christ” (Spurgeon, Sermons on the Gospel of John). This sermon explores how Acts 15 teaches us to navigate disagreements, embrace diversity, and anchor our decisions in the grace of Christ.

Cross Reference: Galatians 2:1–10 provides a parallel account of this debate, emphasizing Paul’s defense of the Gospel of grace. Romans 14:1–13 further encourages believers to accept one another despite differences in practice, reinforcing unity in Christ.

Galatians 2:1–10 CSB

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. I went up according to a revelation and presented to them the gospel I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those recognized as leaders. I wanted to be sure I was not running, and had not been running, in vain. But not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus in order to enslave us. But we did not give up and submit to these people for even a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would be preserved for you. Now from those recognized as important (what they once were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism)—they added nothing to me. On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter was for the circumcised, since the one at work in Peter for an apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in me for the Gentiles. When James, Cephas, and John—those recognized as pillars—acknowledged the grace that had been given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to me and Barnabas, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They asked only that we would remember the poor, which I had made every effort to do.

Acts 15 shows the church learning to prioritize the Gospel over cultural traditions, uniting diverse believers under Christ’s grace.

1. Start with Conflict (Acts 15:1–5)

The chapter opens with conflict: (Acts 15:1 “Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved.”” ). This sparks a sharp dispute, as Paul and Barnabas challenge this teaching. The issue wasn’t just about circumcision but about the essence of the Gospel—salvation by grace versus works of the law.

Teaching Point: Disagreements in the church are not new. The early believers faced tension between tradition and God’s new work among the Gentiles. Today, we encounter similar challenges—whether over worship styles, cultural practices, or theological nuances. Ed Newton reminds us, “Conflict is inevitable, but division is optional. Unity is forged when we seek God’s heart together” (Newton, The Well Church Sermon Series). Like the early church, we must approach conflicts with prayer and openness to the Spirit’s leading, discerning God’s work rather than clinging to tradition.

Cross Reference: Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Philippians 2:1–2 “If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” calls for unity through humility and shared purpose in Christ.

Illustration: Picture a tug-of-war where both sides pull fiercely, convinced they’re right. The rope frays until someone suggests loosening the grip to talk. Similarly, Acts 15:2 shows Paul and Barnabas engaging in “sharp dispute and debate” but choosing to seek resolution through dialogue in Jerusalem. We, too, must pause, pray, and pursue God’s guidance to maintain unity.

Application: When disagreements arise in your church—perhaps over music, outreach methods, or cultural differences—pause to pray. Ask: Is this about the Gospel, or is it about preference? Seek the Spirit’s guidance to discern God’s work, fostering unity over division.

2. Seek a Shared Spirit (Acts 15:6–18)

The apostles and elders gather to address the issue, listening to testimonies from Peter, Paul, and Barnabas. Peter declares, (Acts 15:8 “And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us.” , Acts 15:11 “On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.”). James reinforces this with Scripture (Amos 9:11–12), affirming God’s plan to include all nations.

Teaching Point: Unity is found not in uniformity but in the shared grace of Christ. Peter’s testimony emphasizes that salvation levels the playing field—Jew and Gentile alike are saved by grace through faith. Spurgeon notes, “The Gospel is the great leveler; it makes no distinction between Jew or Gentile, for all are one in Christ” (Spurgeon’s Sermons, Vol. 12). The council’s willingness to listen, pray, and seek God’s will models how we navigate diversity today.

Cross Reference: John 17:20–23 records Jesus’ prayer for unity among believers, reflecting the shared Spirit that binds us. Galatians 3:28 affirms, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

John 17:20–23 CSB

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.

Illustration: Think of an orchestra with diverse instruments—violins, trumpets, drums. Each plays a unique role, but under the conductor’s lead, they create harmony. In the church, our differences—cultural, generational, or theological—can produce a beautiful symphony when guided by the Holy Spirit and rooted in Christ’s grace.

Application: Embrace diversity in your church by valuing every voice. Listen to those with different perspectives, pray together, and seek God’s wisdom. Whether it’s a new ministry idea or a cultural practice, test it against the Gospel: Does it honor Christ’s grace and advance His mission?

3. Conclude with Compassion (Acts 15:19–35)

The council decides not to burden Gentile believers with circumcision but to ask them to avoid practices offensive to Jewish believers (Acts 15:19–20). They send a letter with this decision, delivered by Paul, Barnabas, Barsabbas, and Silas, encouraging the Gentiles: (Acts 15:28). The result is joy and encouragement among the Gentile churches (Acts 15:31).

Acts 15:28 CSB

For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements:

Teaching Point: The council’s decision balances truth and grace, preserving the Gospel’s freedom while showing love to others. Ed Newton says, “Grace doesn’t compromise truth; it delivers it with love” (Newton, Grace Revolution Sermon). By choosing compassion over legalism, the early church models how to resolve disputes with sensitivity and encouragement.

Cross Reference: 1 Corinthians 8:9–13 advises believers to avoid actions that might cause others to stumble, prioritizing love. Colossians 3:12–14 calls us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility… and over all these virtues put on love.”

Illustration: Imagine a bridge connecting two communities, built not to erase their differences but to allow them to meet in peace. The council’s letter in Acts 15 is such a bridge, uniting Jews and Gentiles through mutual respect and grace. In our churches, we can build bridges by addressing differences with love, ensuring no one feels burdened or excluded.

Application: When making decisions in your church, prioritize grace and love. Ask: How can we uphold the Gospel while encouraging one another? Whether it’s welcoming newcomers or resolving disputes, let compassion guide your actions, fostering a community that reflects Christ’s love.

Pointing to Christ

Acts 15 points to Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and the source of grace that transforms lives. The council’s decision—that salvation is through faith in Christ alone—echoes Jesus’ words in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” The inclusion of Gentiles fulfills God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3) and foreshadows the universal mission of the Gospel (Matthew 28:19–20). Christ is the cornerstone of unity, bridging every divide—cultural, ethnic, or theological—through His grace.

Conclusion

As Spurgeon reminds us, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” (Spurgeon’s Sermons, Vol. 7). Let us anchor our churches in the Gospel, embracing diversity, resolving conflicts with love, and advancing Christ’s mission together.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace that unites us in Christ. Help us navigate disagreements with humility, seek Your Spirit’s guidance, and show compassion in all we do. May our churches reflect Your love and advance Your Gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.