All Fall Short
We have heard "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But do we know what it means and where that verse applies and in what context it was written? First, it comes from Romans 3:23 which was written by the Apostle Paul. Secondly, the words right before the "for all fall" part are "For there is no distinction:" This was in reference to the disputes Jews were having about being "better" than gentiles and Greeks. Their thinking was that they were better because they were Jewish followers of Jesus, similar to how the Pharisees spoke to people and treated people. God is not making distinctions of this group of people or nationality is better than this one. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior, welcome to the family. Period.
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The Two Splits and Fusion Attempt
There were men telling the brothers of the church that only those who are circumcised can be saved. That completely overwrites what Christ did on the cross and what Paul and Barnabas had been teaching. Paul and Barnabas tried to persuade them through debate. That didn't work so they went to go speak with the elders and other apostles about the matter but they could not come to an agreement. There were those who were circumcised as the Pharisees were, but were also Christians and still believed that circumcision led to salvation. They were split (Acts 15:1-5).
During these debates, Peter spoke on the issues setting the focus on faith and not the acts of keeping the laws of Moses. Then Paul and Barnabas spoke up on the miracles they have seen and had done through God's will. The assembly fell silent and eventually James spoke and suggested to write to the Gentiles who had turned to God. The letters were to encourage them to flee sexual immorality and to abstain from anything polluted by false idols. The letters were also to create unity in that which was divided; the church (Acts 15:6-35).
Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement. They both wanted to visit the places where they preached the word of God and check up on the people. Barnabas wanted to take Mark, but Paul did not want to because Mark had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia. This is where the disagreement ensued and they both went their separate ways with Paul taking Silas with him and Barnabas taking Mark (Acts 15:36-41).
It is okay when we disagree with one another. It is the manner in which we disagree. In other words, what did you say and how did you say it? Where was your heart? Did you listen to what they had to say? Did you ask for clarification when you were not sure of something? We don't always have to be right and in this disagreement between Paul and Barnabas those types of questions would need to be asked in hopes that the relationship remain in tact rather than split for good.
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Unbelievers, Healing and Humility
Unbelievers can really cause some trouble. Their unbelief and hard hearts can stir up those who are seeking. Unbelievers can be cynical and overlook truth and proof due to their personal issues, not because what they do not believe in is not true. The unbelievers here in verse 2-6 were Jewish poisoned the minds of the Gentiles and turned them against the brothers Barnabas and Paul. But, Barnabas and Paul found out about and fled and continued preaching the gospel. I love the dedication here. I think many would find it easy to say "if I keep hitting these roadblocks, then it isn't meant to be." When you are doing God's will, it isn't about what the naysayers and haters say.
Being in God's will can also allow you to heal those that are sick and disabled. In verses 8-10 we see that man who had never been able to walk was commanded to stand by Paul's voice and the man was healed. Once again, the Holy Spirit has healing power. It isn't just physical. If you have ever had the Holy Spirit work through your life in restoring a relationship or helping you through a personal problem, then you too know of the Holy Spirit's power and have a testimony to tell.
But, sometimes people get things twisted and confused. We see good things people do and we begin to worship them or make false idols (see Exodus 32). In verses 11-18, when the crowds saw what Paul had done with healing the man, they began to refer to them as gods and wanted to offer a sacrifice to them. When Barnabas and Paul heard about this they stopped them and showed them that they were also men and need not be worshiped. Barnabas and Paul could have used that time and gotten the glory like Herod wanted, but they chose the humble route.
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Further Development of the Church
Peter met with the members of the church and told them about the Gentiles (non Jewish people) who had received the word of God. The brothers and sisters accused Peter of not being a faithful Christian Jew because he ate with Gentiles and they were uncircumcised at that. Peter tells them of the vision he had that allowed him to see that God had no distinction or partiality when it came to who could receive the word of God. Through this the church members were able to understand that everyone, including Gentiles, could receive the word of God. No partiality (Acts 11:1-18).
The Church in Antioch (which was far away) was growing. While there Barnabus and Saul met with other believers and taught for a year and it was also there at Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians. A prophet named Agaubus warned of a great famine that was coming to all the earth. he disciples determined to send relief to the brothers in Judea and they sent that relief by Barnabus and Saul., Everyone pitched in according to their ability (Acts 11:19-30).
From this chapter I have pulled out that when it comes to the word of God and the life and resurrection of Christ, there is no partiality. It does not matter what you look like. You can receive the word of God regardless of the outside. The word will stick based on the inside. I also learned that this was the the first recorded relief effort from one group of people helping another group of people. That takes love and concern and selfless care for others. We need that when there is a national or worldwide disaster. We need that kind of selfless giving on weekdays, weekends and holidays. We need that more often. Love takes no days off.
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