Biblical Lessons on Division: Learning from the Apostles

The early church, much like today's congregations, faced its share of internal disagreements and divisions. However, the apostles and early Christians navigated these challenges with grace, humility, and a commitment to unity. Their experiences provide timeless lessons on how to handle divisions in the church, offering hope that even in times of conflict, reconciliation and restoration are possible.

In this week’s post, we will delve into some key scriptural examples of division in the early church, learning how the apostles approached conflict and reconciliation. These biblical accounts show us how God's people can overcome division and maintain the bond of unity through love and mutual submission.

Scriptural Foundation:

Unity in the church is a theme that runs throughout the New Testament. In Ephesians 4:3, Paul urges believers to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” However, as we will see, even the earliest churches struggled with divisions. Yet through these struggles, we find valuable lessons on how to address and resolve conflicts.

1. Paul and Barnabas: A Disagreement with a Purpose

- The Conflict: One of the most notable examples of division in the early church is the conflict between Paul and Barnabas. In Acts 15:36-41, we read about a sharp disagreement that arose between the two apostles over whether to bring John Mark along on their missionary journey. Paul, frustrated with John Mark’s earlier decision to abandon a previous mission, refused to take him, while Barnabas, ever the encourager, wanted to give him a second chance. The disagreement was so intense that the two parted ways, with Paul choosing Silas as his new companion and Barnabas taking John Mark.

- Lessons:

  - Handling Disagreements with Grace: Despite their strong disagreement, neither Paul nor Barnabas allowed the conflict to derail their commitment to God’s mission. They parted ways, but both continued in ministry, showing that disagreements don’t have to stop the work of God.

  - Restoration and Reconciliation: Later in his ministry, Paul reconciled with John Mark. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul speaks highly of him, calling him “useful to me for ministry.” This shows that even when divisions occur, reconciliation is possible, and relationships can be restored over time.

2. The Jerusalem Council: Resolving Doctrinal Disputes

- The Conflict: In Acts 15:1-21, we encounter a doctrinal dispute that threatened to divide the early church. Some Jewish Christians insisted that Gentile converts must follow the law of Moses, including circumcision, to be saved. This controversy created significant tension between Jewish and Gentile believers. To resolve the issue, the apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem to debate the matter.

- Lessons:

  - Seeking Wisdom from Leadership: The Jerusalem Council demonstrated the importance of seeking guidance from wise, mature leaders when facing conflicts. The apostles and elders discussed the issue openly and sought God’s direction before making a decision. This teaches us the value of relying on experienced leaders and prayerful deliberation in resolving church conflicts.

  - Compromise and Unity: The council ultimately decided that Gentile believers did not need to follow all the Jewish customs, but they did ask them to abstain from certain practices to maintain peace between Jewish and Gentile Christians. This decision preserved the unity of the church while respecting the concerns of both sides, illustrating the power of compromise in preserving unity.

3. Paul’s Confrontation with Peter: Addressing Hypocrisy and Division

- The Conflict: In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul recounts a confrontation with Peter in Antioch. Peter had been freely eating with Gentile believers, but when certain men from Jerusalem arrived, he withdrew from the Gentiles out of fear of criticism. This hypocrisy caused a division between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul, recognising the damage this behaviour could cause, publicly confronted Peter, calling out his inconsistency.

- Lessons:

  - Courage to Confront Wrongdoing: Paul’s boldness in confronting Peter shows the importance of addressing division and hypocrisy head-on, especially when it threatens the unity of the church. Paul’s willingness to correct even a fellow apostle teaches us that unity requires accountability.

  - Restoration Through Repentance: Peter’s behaviour changed after this confrontation, and the unity of the church was preserved. This shows that when leaders humbly accept correction, reconciliation and unity can be restored.

4. The Corinthian Church: Division Over Leaders

- The Conflict: The church in Corinth was plagued by divisions, with members aligning themselves with different leaders. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Paul addresses the problem, saying, “One of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas’; still another, ‘I follow Christ.’” This factionalism was tearing the church apart as people became more focused on their preferred leaders than on Christ.

- Lessons:

  - Christ-Centered Unity: Paul’s solution to this division was to refocus the church on Christ. He reminded the Corinthians that the church is not about following human leaders, but about following Christ. This teaches us that unity comes when we keep Christ at the centre of our faith, rather than focusing on personalities or human preferences.

  - Avoiding Factions: Paul’s appeal for unity in the Corinthian church reminds us of the dangers of creating factions within the church. Whether based on leaders, doctrines, or preferences, divisions can easily distract from the mission of the church.

Practical Steps for Today’s Church:

1. Fostering Open Dialogue:

   - In each of these biblical examples, open dialogue played a crucial role in resolving division. Whether it was the Jerusalem Council or Paul confronting Peter, difficult conversations were essential for maintaining unity. Churches today must create spaces where leaders and members can openly discuss concerns and conflicts without fear of judgment.

2. Prioritising Reconciliation:

   - Church divisions can leave lasting wounds, but the biblical examples remind us that reconciliation is always possible. Whether through personal repentance, like Peter, or through renewed relationships, like Paul and John Mark, churches should always prioritise healing and restoration after a conflict.

3. Seeking Wise Leadership:

   - In times of division, turning to wise, prayerful leadership is essential. The apostles set a strong example of seeking God’s wisdom and relying on the counsel of elders to resolve disputes. Churches today can follow this model by relying on mature leaders and seeking God’s direction through prayer.

Closing Thoughts:

Divisions in the church are nothing new. From the earliest days of Christianity, the apostles faced disagreements and conflicts. However, the way they handled these situations offers valuable lessons for today’s church. Whether through humility, open dialogue, or a Christ-centred focus, these biblical examples show us how to navigate divisions and come out stronger on the other side.

As we reflect on these lessons, let’s strive to promote unity within our churches, always seeking to build bridges rather than walls. Through humility, accountability, and a commitment to reconciliation, we can prevent divisions from fracturing our congregations and ensure that the church remains a unified body, focused on the mission of Christ.

Prayer for Unity:

Heavenly Father, we ask that you would guard our hearts against division and pride. Help us to seek reconciliation and humility in our relationships within the church. May we learn from the example of the apostles, striving to maintain the bond of peace in all circumstances. Let us be quick to forgive, slow to anger, and always focused on the mission of your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray, Amen.