A Letter of Encouragement—and a Sharp Disagreement (Acts 15:22–41)
After the early church leaders in Jerusalem made an important decision about salvation (Acts 15:1–21), they wanted to make sure all the new believers understood it clearly. So they didn’t just talk about it—they took action. They wrote a letter, sent trusted people to deliver it, and helped spread peace and clarity.
But even in the middle of all this good news, we also see a disagreement between two leaders—Paul and Barnabas—showing us that even faithful people don’t always agree. Let’s explore both parts of this story.
A Letter That Brought Joy
The church leaders in Jerusalem wrote a letter to the Gentile (non-Jewish) believers in Antioch and other places. This letter came after a big decision: Gentiles didn’t need to follow all the old Jewish laws to be saved—they were saved by faith in Jesus.
The church chose two respected leaders, Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, to go with Paul and Barnabas and personally deliver the letter. The letter said something like this:
“We’ve heard some people have confused you by saying things we didn’t send them to say. We want you to know that we’ve agreed—after seeking God’s direction—not to burden you with unnecessary rules.
Just follow a few basic things to keep peace:
- Don’t eat food offered to idols
- Avoid blood and meat from strangled animals
- Stay away from sexual immorality
We’re not adding heavy rules—just simple things to help everyone live well together.”
When the believers in Antioch read the letter, they were very encouraged. It was good news! Judas and Silas stayed for a while, encouraging the believers and strengthening their faith. Then Judas returned to Jerusalem, while Silas stayed with Paul and Barnabas.
A Disagreement Between Friends
Later, Paul suggested to Barnabas that they go back and visit the churches they had started during their first mission trip. They wanted to see how the new believers were doing.
Barnabas agreed—but he wanted to bring John Mark with them.
Paul said no. John Mark had left them partway through their earlier journey (Acts 13:13), and Paul didn’t think it was wise to bring him again.
The disagreement became so strong that Paul and Barnabas decided to separate:
- Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus.
- Paul chose Silas, and they traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Even though it was sad to see two leaders part ways, God still used both teams to spread the gospel.
What We Can Learn from Acts 15:22–41
- Clear communication brings peace
The letter from the Jerusalem church helped clear up confusion and bring joy to new believers. - Encouragement is powerful
Judas and Silas were sent not just with a message, but with hearts to encourage and strengthen others. - Even strong leaders disagree
Paul and Barnabas loved Jesus, but they had different views. Disagreement doesn’t mean failure—it just means they were human. - God works through all things
Even though Paul and Barnabas split up, their new teams were still used by God to continue spreading the gospel in more places.
Final Thought:
The early church wasn’t perfect—but it was faithful. Through letters, conversations, encouragement, and even disagreements, God kept His mission moving forward. And just like back then, God still uses imperfect people to share His perfect message today.
Acts 15:22-41 (WEB)
15:22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers. 23 They wrote these things by their hand:“The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings. 24 Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law,’ to whom we gave no commandment; 25 it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”30 So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. 32 Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them. 33 After they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brothers to the apostles. 34 35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas planned to take John, who was called Mark, with them also. 38 But Paul didn’t think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and didn’t go with them to do the work. 39 Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.