The Holy Spirit Working Unanimity In The Church

Devotional # 25

“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;” Acts 15:28.

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the one body, being many are one body; so also, is the Christ. For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit” 1Corin 12:12-13. (R.V)

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” John 17:21.

One of the important principles of Church functioning with one accord is clearly brought out by the Holy Spirit in chapter 15 of Acts. Certain men came from Judea, taught the believers in Antioch that “Except ye circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). Paul and Barnabas disagreed with this teaching and determined to go to Jerusalem along with certain of them, to confer the Apostles and elders on this matter.

The Church at Jerusalem received them, and they declared all the things that the Lord has done. But some of the Pharisees who believed in the Lord said it is needed for the Gentiles to be circumcised and to keep the Law of Moses.

It appears the first meeting was adjourned because of much dispute between certain factions of believing Pharisees and others. The Apostles and elders gathered together along with the Church (verse 12) a second time to discuss this matter. Peter first addressed the gathering of how God used him to speak to the Gentiles and how the Holy Spirit fell also on them.

Then, Paul and Barnabas shared how God’s work and their ministry, through the Holy Spirit touched the hearts of Gentiles and wrought wonders and miracles. Finally, James connected how the Gentiles also will believe in the Lord quoting from the Old Testament scriptures.

After this long session which was addressed one after the other by Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James it is said in verse 22 “Then it seemed good the Apostles and elders, with the whole church…” (R.V.). James continued saying that “It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord…” (Acts 15:25). Further he closed by saying “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;” (Acts 15:28).