The Slow Lane Account (Acts 15)

 

When we read the book of Acts 'in the slow lane' rather than breeze through the interesting account, one can appreciate Luke's writing style more, for sure, but other details and connections can be observed as well.  The flow of how one thing leads to another, the respect shown for leading brothers who stop what they are doing and truly listen.  They take the query seriously.  They allow time to hear and to think and to get God's view, together.  All this before giving answer and sending trusted brothers to go and bring their answer, not just in written form but by word of mouth.

You can read Acts 15 to see this 'in action'.  It's beautiful.

It's a bit amusing but also encouraging to see Peter's maturity of character.  He'd learned a thing or two since his earlier days of following Jesus.

Note in v. 7 that only

 "after there had been much debate ...," 

... did Peter open his mouth to speak.  What's more, when he spoke he did not put his foot in his mouth as he was wont to do before this, but gave very sensible and well thought out answer.

This answer could be verified too.  All knew that he had been 'chosen' by God to initiate the bringing the message to the Gentiles to

 "hear the Word of the gospel and believe" (v. 7). 

 You can double check this as well from Acts 10 & 11.

As you read through chapter 15, you can see that besides Peter, the floor was given to Barnabas and Paul.  After them, came James who seemed to be the leading apostle in Jerusalem, and given the deciding decision based on the logical, thought out information and answers given by the others. 

He and the leading brothers did not have a preconceived action in their minds, an already made up decision. They weren't just going through the motions to make it look like they were legitimately listening, NO, they were sincerely invested in a good outcome for this pivotal discussion.

The peace and harmony and the keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace can be greatly noted (see Ephesians 4:3).  They seemed very eager to do this, grounded on the facts explained.

By God's grace and Holy Spirit guidance, those early believers and leaders handled the delicate situation without putting a binding "yoke" upon the neck of the disciples (see Acts 15:10 ESV).  A major division was averted!

In humility they had governed and led.  The unsettled minds became settled and resulted in the believers

 "[rejoicing] because of [the] encouragement" (v 31)

 of the reply sent.

Once this matter had been settled, Luke tucks in and introduces the next character on stage.  We meet Judas Barsabas and Silas, who were

 "chief men among the brethren" (v 22 KJV).

And this stage set the next stage where Paul chooses Silas to go on a missionary journey.  Note again, it was not an arbitrary decison but Silas came

 "commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord" (v. 40).

Would that we would also experience this in the chuches in which we meet.  By God's grace and our willing, humble hearts, and with much prayer, the unity of the Spirit can be kept in the bond of peace.

So be it, Father God.

                                                 ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on Acts 15 ESV.

Sing, Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.