WHEN OPINIONS DIFFER ON THE INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE

What do we do when we disagree on understanding God’s Word?

When confronted with different opinions, let’s read what Paul and Barnabas (and Peter) did.

There, the question arose about the Jewish use of circumcision and what happens after conversion:

Acts 15 (NKJV) ” 1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren: Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. 2. Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.”

The question at hand was the Jewish practice of circumcision and its necessity for salvation, a topic that was causing division among the early Christian community. Discussions to sort out differences, as seen in Biblical times, are not just historical events, but ongoing practices that have never changed.

When different opinions or interpretations arise, do you participate in fuelling these differences or instead take action to find the answer/solution to this?

Remember, we are not alone in this journey. We have our church leaders, elders, and most importantly, the Holy Spirit to guide us in our quest for understanding.

The outcome of this question in Acts 15 – Peter said:
“8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them (the Gentiles that is, the nonJews) by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved in the same manner as they…19 Therefore, I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God…”

This example proves the importance of unity in understanding God’s Word.

The question for you today is: Do you murmur and disagree with others, or do you take the initiative to facilitate the conversation, not in your strength, but in asking Holy Spirit for wisdom to find the answer in the Word?

Be courageous when you receive the conviction from Holy Spirit!

Until next time