It is a fact that we have different belief backgrounds, and everyone is affected in one way or the other by that as it is evident in the life of the Jews and the Gentiles. The belief systems originate from the idols of the mind -the way of thinking, the idols of culture and tradition etc. These and other factors including our individual differences affect our social life, spirituality, and relationships. One needs to be knowledgeable, mature, and balanced in resolving crisis of life when they come about. And the best tool of doing that is love as Christ tells us in the gospel today. Hence, the Apostles applied the tool diligently in resolving the crisis of faith and doctrine among the Jews and the Gentiles of the early church.
Crisis Among the Believers
The number of believers kept growing on a daily basis after the resurrection of Christ and as the Apostles spread the gospel to the different regions of Palestine and beyond. The power of the Holy Spirit was very evident in the lives of believers, and it attracted people from different backgrounds and upbringing, including Jews and Gentiles. The early Church became a place that could gather people of different cultures and beliefs together and share the love of Christ.
However, as time progressed, some zealous members of the church started teaching something different from the teachings of the Apostles. The Jews wanted to impose their cultural influence and belief system on the Gentiles which brought about segregation and crisis among the believers. It also affected the leading elders of the Church and if left unresolved could damage the unity of the Church. As such, the apostles pulled themselves together with some elders to address the crisis.
The Apostolic Conflict Management
The Apostolic conflict management was the first council of the Apostles with some elders of the Church and members drawn from different ethnic backgrounds and belief systems. They prayed together and employed the influence and power of the Holy Spirit to guide them in their discission. They reflected over the crisis and resolved the matter in the best interest of everyone. The decision agreed upon closed the door of segregation and exclusion and left the community open to brotherly fraternity and love. They were able to do this because they employed the tool of love as Christ commanded them while in their midst.
In resolving the matter, they thought it wise to respect the believers by appointing reputed men and women to accompany the apostles, Paul and Barnabas, in meeting with them and delivering their message. They sent them a letter which was to be accompanied by the words of mouth from the elders and delegates for them to know how far they are cherished, welcomed, and respected. The letter bore the decision of the council not to lay extra burden on them but ‘to abstain from what has been sacrifice to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality’ (Acts of the Apostles 15:29). The delegates went to Antioch and delivered the message of the council which was encouraging and welcomed by the members.
The Tool of Love
In the gospel today, Christ reiterated his teaching and commandment of love. He enthroned his followers beyond the level of servants and called them his friends. He expressed his willingness to share everything with them. Christ was very open and transparent. And, He loved them to the end, and love as we know conquers everything.
The apostles applied this tool of love in conquering the crisis among the members of the Church. The council was considerate in their decisions after the footstep of Christ and that resolved the crisis. We must love as Christ loves and that is the best tool of conflict management.
Peace be with you.
