Dealing with Theological Aberrations - Pt. 2: Effect a Swift Response
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
Rev Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 17 2025 | Acts 15:1-5
KEY VERSE: “And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.” Acts 15:2 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
Yesterday, we saw how certain men unsettled the believers with false teaching. Today, the focus is on how the church responded.
The issue was this: some insisted that Gentiles could not be saved by faith in Christ alone. They argued that circumcision and observance of the Law were also necessary. In effect, they were saying that Moses had to complete what Jesus had already accomplished.
The implications were serious.
The gospel itself was in danger.
The foundation of Christianity was being undermined.
The way of salvation was being thrown into confusion.
Paul and Barnabas did not remain silent. They dissented and debated with the teachers. And when the matter needed wider resolution, the Antioch church appointed them to go to Jerusalem and present it before the apostles and elders.
This was a swift and deliberate response. The missionaries were bold to defend the truth, and the church acted wisely in sending them. Together, they modelled discernment, order, and unity in the face of error.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
The challenge is clear for us today:
Is the modern church discerning enough to recognise when the gospel is at risk?
Do we have men and women prepared to engage fruitfully in theological debate?
Are there structures in place to respond quickly and wisely, preserving the witness of the church?
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, equip Your church with wisdom, courage, and order to respond fruitfully to the theological matters that confront us. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 229: 2 Chronicles 5–8 — Temple Dedicated and God’s Covenant
DAILY word study: DEBATE The word debate in Acts 15:2 is translated from the Greek zētēsis, meaning “inquiry, questioning, or discussion.” It comes from a root that implies serious investigation and dispute. In this verse, it shows that Paul and Barnabas did not ignore the false teaching but openly confronted it with careful reasoning and strong words.
This debate was not about pride or winning an argument—it was about guarding the heart of the gospel. Fruitful debate, when centred on God’s truth, protects the church from error and clarifies what is right. Reflect on This:
Debate in itself is not wrong. What matters is the purpose. When truth is at stake, silence can be dangerous. Speaking up for the gospel is an act of faithfulness.
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