Doctrine and Controversy

Introduction:

We have seen dissension between Jews and believers.

This was especially the case with Paul and Barnabas as they traveled through Asia.

Hellenistic Jews opposed Stephen.

They also opposed Saul.

The Council opposed the apostles after Pentecost.

In an imperfect world, truth will be challenged by untruth.

That which is false is not always obvious.

It is possible for people to believe that which is false for so long that they cannot accept the truth.

Paul and Barnabas have returned to Antioch (see Acts 14:26-27).

The record of Acts 14:27 will be very important for this whole narrative.

They reported to the church “as many things as God did WITH them.”

God “opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.”

Challengers Arrive in Antioch

Luke introduces a disruption to Paul and Barnabas’ long time in Antioch.

It takes the form of “some” who descended from Jerusalem teaching “the brothers.”

We now know these individuals came to the church at Antioch.

They taught the brothers their doctrines even with Paul and Barnabas present.

These men have a very direct message: “unless you might be circumcised by Moses’ custom, you are not able to be saved.”

To our ears, this should sound foreign and strange.

Theirs, actually, is the historical position the Jews practiced in the ancient world.

There is no indication this was an intentional challenge to Paul and Barnabas, but it turned out to create serious controversy in the church at Antioch.

Introduction (Part 2):

Vehement opposition does not have to lead to hatred, severing bonds, or unfriendliness.

We will see the language of rebellion used in two ways.

Yet, the group has the ability to travel with one another.

Paul and Barnabas’s accounts along the way create joy among the churches.

Jerusalem has become the outlier.

At this time, there is no indication those from Jerusalem issued an intentional challenge to Paul and Barnabas, but it turned out to create serious controversy in the church at Antioch.

They do, however, present a corrective.

Here is a situation similar to Peter and John earlier in Acts.

Usually, we should comply with government, but we know that Peter and John did not when the Council tried to impose upon them that which was contrary to the truth.

Usually, rivalry and intense disagreement are not to be part of a congregation.

Here, however, is a situation where the teaching of the men from Judaea conflicts with the reality Paul and Barnabas knew from their time in Asia.

A larger question is: Was this a council?

Paul and Barnabas React

The reaction, itself, does not get presented as the main point.

It is, however, the condition that generated what the writer wishes to emphasize.

We usually do not see the terms used here in a good or positive sense.

Notice the intense words Luke uses along with the repetition of “not a little.”

Paul and Barnabas had an intense rivalry with these men because of their message.

Here is a situation similar to Peter and John earlier in Acts.

Usually, we should comply with government, but we know that Peter and John did not when the Council tried to impose upon them that which was contrary to the truth.

Usually, rivalry and intense disagreement are not to be part of a congregation.

Here, however, is a situation where the teaching of the men from Judaea conflicts with the reality Paul and Barnabas knew from their time in Asia.

Whose views on this matter approximated reality?

The Journey to Jerusalem

Someone, the text is not clear, appointed Paul, Barnabas, and some others “of them” to ascend to Jerusalem.

Alternatives include:

Those in rivalry with Paul and Barnabas ordered them to go.

The church sent them all (a possibility).

“Some others from them” could refer to the new arrivals. It could refer to others from the Antiochean church.

Whoever charges them to travel to Jerusalem things the apostles and elders at Jerusalem can weigh in on this matter.

This would imply that neither side backed down.

The authorities in Jerusalem would be able to provide some authoritative settlement to the question.

Acts 15:3 indicates the church provided those going to Jerusalem with the provisions they would need for their journey and perhaps accompanied them, as was customary, on part of the journey.

Those who had benefited from this send off made the 250 mile journey along the coastline.

Phoenicia

Samaria

They explained the “turn of the nations” and created great joy among the brothers.

In Jerusalem, they received a welcome, and they did likewise to the apostles, elders, and church, namely, the recounted for them their trip to Asia.

Note the similar language to the earlier statements.

Opposition gets identified by Luke.

We also learn the two key issues.

According to Acts 15:6, the apostles and elders (these remain unidentified) gather to learn about this issue.

If time, note Peter’s initial reminder to the audience in Acts 15:7-11.

This works, for a time, to silence the dispute among those gathered.