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Day 9: Unity in Diversity: The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)
In Acts 15, we witness a pivotal moment in the life of the early church: the Jerusalem Council. This gathering of apostles and elders came together to address a major issue that had the potential to divide the early Christian community—whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish customs, specifically circumcision, in order to be saved. The way the leaders handled this issue serves as a powerful lesson in leadership, unity, and the beauty of diversity within the body of Christ.
The early church was a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and traditions. Jews and Gentiles, who had historically been separated by religious laws and customs, were now coming together under the banner of Christ. This diversity created tensions, particularly around how new Gentile converts should integrate into the faith. Some believed that following Jewish laws was necessary for salvation, while others argued that faith in Jesus was sufficient.
Rather than allowing this issue to create division, the apostles and elders gathered to seek a unified solution. Peter, Paul, and Barnabas shared their experiences of God working among the Gentiles, while others voiced their concerns about upholding the law. After much debate, James, the brother of Jesus, provided a solution that upheld both unity and grace. He concluded that Gentile believers did not need to follow Jewish customs to be saved but should abstain from certain practices out of respect for their Jewish brothers and sisters.
This decision emphasized that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through adherence to the law. At the same time, it preserved unity by encouraging sensitivity to the diverse cultural backgrounds of believers. The council’s resolution showed that the early church could embrace both the diversity of its members and the unity of their shared faith in Christ.
As leaders today, we can learn much from the Jerusalem Council about navigating differences within our own communities. In a world that is increasingly divided, the church should be a place where people from all backgrounds can come together in unity, focused on the essentials of the Gospel. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. The early church recognized that diversity within the body of Christ was not only acceptable but a beautiful expression of God’s kingdom.
However, maintaining unity in diversity requires intentional leadership. It means being willing to listen to different perspectives, engaging in honest dialogue, and seeking solutions that promote peace without compromising the truth of the Gospel. The apostles modeled humility and wisdom in their approach, prioritizing the message of grace while fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas in your leadership where cultural, generational, or personal differences are creating tension? How can you foster unity while honoring diversity?
- How can you encourage open dialogue and a spirit of humility within your leadership team or community when facing differences in opinion or tradition?
- What lessons from the Jerusalem Council can you apply to your own context in promoting unity around the essentials of the Gospel while allowing for diversity in other areas?
The Jerusalem Council teaches us that unity in the body of Christ doesn’t come from everyone being the same—it comes from everyone being centered on the same truth: faith in Jesus Christ. As leaders, we are called to create environments where differences are not a threat but an opportunity for growth and greater understanding. We are called to lead with grace, humility, and a deep commitment to the unity of the church.
As you reflect on this passage, consider how you can model unity in diversity within your own leadership. Are there ways you can bring people together who might otherwise be divided by background, tradition, or opinion? Unity doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of intentional, Spirit-led leadership. Let’s strive to be leaders who foster unity, celebrate diversity, and keep the Gospel at the center of everything we do.