Heated Arguments?

What makes an argument weak? What strengthens it? How do Christians resolve such differences of opinion? Who is in charge? Great questions! Thank God we can look at Acts 15 for an example of resolution (of course, the Bible is filled with them).

The Apostle Paul was an educated believer in Christ. He not only studied the Hebrew Scriptures but met Jesus, the Word, personally! That's not someone I would consider debating (just saying). What or who possessed some of the believing Pharisees to challenge Paul on circumcision of the Gentile believers? The Pharisees were also educated in the Hebrew Scriptures (bragging rights perhaps?). The enemy is a deceiver. Jesus called him the father of lies in John 8:44. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6), so why should we even bother? The argument broke out between Paul and Barnabas on one side and the believing Pharisees on the other. Acts 15:2 called it "no small dissension and debate." That paints a vivid picture in one's mind.

Paul and Barnabas thought the argument warranted further intervention and travelled to Jerusalem to meet with the Apostles. The "debate" continued in Jerusalem and necessitated intervention by Peter, who had previously witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles...without anyone asking for it! James, the council's Apostolic leader, gave the final verdict or formal position of the Church in Acts 15:20 "abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood." Case closed!

Shortly thereafter, Paul and Barnabas argued and parted company. If these two "powerhouses" had contentions, anyone is susceptible. Remain diligent in this hour to seek divine wisdom as potential arguments abound. The guidance of the Holy Spirit will prevail if one's heart is open to Him. Allow Holy Spirit to speak to and through you in this season, and you will experience victory!