Dealing with Theological Aberrations - Pt. 5: The Debate (1)

Baptist Daily Devotional
4 days ago
2 min read

Rev Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 20 2025 | Acts 15:6-21

KEY VERSE: “⁶The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. ⁷And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them…. Acts 15:6 & 7a (ESV)

MESSAGE:

The early church did not shy away from difficult matters. When distractions arose, leaders came together to seek God’s direction and preserve the unity of the faith. In Acts 6, they quickly handled complaints about food distribution. In Acts 15, they faced a weightier challenge—whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish customs. They also refused to let sin and confusion fester (1 Corinthians 5:1–13).

Paul and his team shared what God had done among the Gentiles (Acts 15:4). Soon after, the circumcision party raised their objection (Acts 15:5). It was a theological crisis that could not be ignored.

Notice carefully: the debate was handled by the apostles and elders (Acts 15:6). It was not left to gossip in the pews. Everyone was given the opportunity to speak. There was “much debate,” which meant there was freedom, fairness, and order (Acts 15:7a).

The church will always face challenges. But God has always raised men and women with courage and wisdom to handle them. Paul later wrote to Titus about silencing false voices that troubled the church (Titus 1:10-14). In every generation, God calls leaders who will defend the truth and guard the flock (Acts 15:13-21).

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

When theological confusion arises, silence is not an option. The church must prayerfully face it, guided by Scripture and godly leadership. Healthy debate, rooted in truth, strengthens the body of Christ.

PRAYER:

Almighty God, raise faithful leaders in our time who will confront false teachings with grace and courage. Help Your church to remain steadfast in truth and united in purpose. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 232: 2 Chronicles 18–21 — Jehoshaphat’s Alliance and Jehoram’s Reign

DAILY word study: DEBATE The word “debate” in Acts 15:7 comes from the Greek zētēsis, which means inquiry, questioning, or discussion.

In the church, debate is not a shouting match. It is ordered listening under Scripture. God used the apostles’ careful hearing and Peter’s testimony to guide the whole church. Debate served discernment, not division.

Reflect on this:

When a hard issue comes up, do you rush to speak, or do you make space to listen and weigh Scripture first?