On the same page
They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. ~ Acts 15:23
This is amazing!! In today’s passage, we see the continuation of the apostles’ meeting to resolve the dispute over circumcision. They came together, discussed the matter, and determined that the new converts from other nations no longer needed to follow this Old Testament requirement to enter into covenant with God. Under the new covenant through the blood of Jesus, salvation was already complete. Once they reached agreement, they wrote a letter to send to all the churches.
The remarkable part is that they were united in their decision. When the churches received the letter, Acts 15:31 says, “When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.” The discussion was settled. The church was able to move forward without continued disputes or division.
What stands out is how the apostles were able to keep believers from many nations in agreement, without splintering into separate groups. They had the advantage of walking with Jesus during His ministry, which gave them credibility, but they also had the challenge of slow communication. Even with these obstacles, the message still carried joy and unity wherever it went.
We still have these same letters today in scripture, yet the modern church often struggles to walk in unity. Disputes and denominational divisions can be settled by the same Word of God, but pride and a religious mindset often stand in the way. If we truly focused on loving God, lifting up Jesus, and loving one another as family, we could become a unified and unstoppable force for good and for God in this world.
The kind of love that brings unity is the same love Jesus showed. A sacrificial love that is not based on someone’s behavior or choices. When we choose to see one another as God sees us, unity becomes possible.
Here are some ways you can begin walking this out in your life:
- Pray for God to give you His heart for other believers, even those with different perspectives.
- Look for common ground in scripture instead of searching for differences.
- Join with believers from other churches for worship, service, or prayer.
- Speak encouragement over the body of Christ instead of criticism.
- Let go of the need to win an argument and seek to preserve relationship instead.
Begin with a simple prayer asking the Holy Spirit to show you any area where pride or offense may be keeping you from unity. Choose one action this week that builds connection with another believer or group. Stay committed to God’s Word as your foundation.
Today I want to encourage you because God’s people have always been called to function as one family. It is still possible, and when we step into unity, the church will rise with a power the world cannot ignore. Jesus is the only hope for this broken world, and the world will see Him clearly when His people choose to walk in love and unity.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 15:22-35
22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.
23 They wrote this letter by them:
The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,
To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.
24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” —to whom we gave no such commandment—
25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:
29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.
31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.
32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.
33 And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.
34 However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.
35 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Journal:
- Ask the Lord, “What step can I take this week to walk in greater unity with other believers?”
- Write down what He shows you and take that step in faith.
The Daily Dose 