Colossians 3-4, Proverbs 14

The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy. ...
Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief. (Proverbs‬ ‭14:10, 13‬)

The heart of a person, not exclusively the physical beating heart, but the center of a person’s inner life, carries on a secret life of its own. It interacts with the ups and downs of a person’s outward life, but it does not reflect that life immediately nor clearly. The author of the Bible’s book of Proverbs touches on this truth in writing about the heart’s bitterness and its undisclosed joy. Indeed, the heart of a person may treasure a jumble of laughter and sadness, joy and grief.

I am blessed in that I may share from my heart with a trusted spiritual director, companion, and friend. With whom may you share from your heart, reader?

Colossians 1-2, Proverbs 13

To [the saints] God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians‬ ‭1:27‬)

The author of the Bible’s book of Colossians seems to say that Christ is in Gentiles (non-Jewish) or at least in Gentile Christians. He admits it is a mystery. He claims it has been hidden for a long time, yet it is so. He describes it as both the riches of glory and the hope of glory. So Christ in Gentiles or in Gentile Christians is of great value to the author (and possibly to God and/or to others).

What is the worth of Christ in others to you, reader? Is it enough to make you want to seek Christ in others, to cherish Christ in them, or to partner with the Christ in them?

Philippians 3-4, Proverbs 12

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians‬ ‭3:7-11‬)

Philippians 1-2, Proverbs 11

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:5-11‬)

Whenever I exercise selfless love, I act on Christlike thinking. I employ thought given to me by the Spirit of Christ. With the Spirit of Christ living within I pour out some of my self-concern, expanding inner soul space. Selfless love humbly serves others to the very end. Through the one exercising it selfless love points to the crucified, risen, and exalted Savior.

I kneel both in service to others and in adoration of this Savior. Jesus Christ is Lord!

Ephesians 4-6

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)

The author of the Bible's book of Ephesians orders mutual submission in the family of God "out of reverence for Christ." After giving the order he gives specific instructions for wives, husbands, children, and slaves. In those specific instructions the author reflects the cultural norms of the day. He writes, for example, "After all, no one ever hated their own body..." (Ephesians 5:29) That may have been true in the author's day, place, and time, although I have doubts. It is certainly not true in my day, place, and time. Too many people hate their bodies nowadays.

I feel tempted to discount the order, "Submit to one another...," together with the specific instructions following it. But "submit to one another" sounds just subversive enough to have come from the heart of Jesus himself. I think I'd better live with its implications for a while and probably for a lifetime.

Ephesians 1-3

For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:14-16‬)

The author of the Bible’s book of Ephesians writes here of two types of humanity—Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). When writing “For he is our peace,” Jesus Christ is being referenced. In Jesus Christ all varieties of humanity are knit into one humanity, which has been, is, and will be God’s eternal intention.

Hostility in the human family is of human origin. God never stirs up human hostility. No, God in Jesus Christ is the ultimate reconciler and peacemaker.

Galatians 3-6

[Paul the Apostle writes,] “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians‬ ‭6:7-8‬)

If a soul invests in selfish, surface concerns, then the soul stays entangled in self and in immediacy. On the other hand if a soul invests in Spirit, then the soul grows expansive, eternally beyond self into the things of God.

Mercy and justice are worked out in the life we live.

Galatians 1-2, Proverbs 10

[Paul the Apostle writes,] “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians‬ ‭2:20‬)

The apostle seems so certain here. The life Paul once lived has been put to death with Christ. Now Paul’s life consists in the resurrected Christ living within Paul and in the trust Paul places in Christ.

Contrast this certainty with Paul’s dilemma, described in his own words: “For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” (Romans‬ ‭7:18-19‬) I’m not sure how to account for the sharpness of the contrast. Maybe Paul is going through some ups and downs. Perhaps he emphasizes one message with the Galatians and another message with the Romans. It’s possible he has matured in his understanding in the time between his sending the one letter and his sending the other, or maybe some combination of these and other influences accounts for the differences between Paul’s view of life in the Bible’s book of Romans and his view of life in the Bible’s book of Galatians.

What accounts for your view of life, reader?

2 Corinthians 12-13, Proverbs 9

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
   and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (Proverbs‬ ‭9:10‬)

Yes, fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom for some, but it is not the end. Countless revival-goers began their Christian journeys after hearing hellfire and damnation sermons that literally frightened them into making confessions of faith. Others, nature-lovers at heart, gained a healthy respect for their Creator through near-death encounters with wild animals, wild seas, or wild weather. Thus, they began to possess wisdom and to grow in the things of God. But again these are only beginnings.

Once wisdom is begun in a soul, it grows, flourishes, blossoms, and bears fruit by other means. So add to fear of the LORD:
   - Worship of the LORD
   - Service of the LORD
   - Contemplation of the LORD
   - Love of the LORD
One grows to maturity of wisdom by these and other experiences.

I would argue thus: While fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom for some, that worship of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom for others, that service of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom for still others, and so on. In my own experience love of the LORD, embodied in the love given, received, and shown in my family of origin first propelled me along the pathways of wisdom, faith, hope, and love.

Yes, let’s make a good beginning in wisdom, but let’s not stop after beginning. Let’s pursue Godly wisdom throughout our lives and come, at last, to wisdom’s proper end!

2 Corinthians 10-11, Proverbs 8

And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11:12-14‬)

Here Paul the Apostle defends himself and the Corinthian Christians against unnamed and, according to Paul, unauthorized missionaries. Apparently they preached powerfully, denigrated Paul’s ministry, and took advantage of the church at Corinth. In contrast Paul makes it clear that, although his preaching may not have been very powerful, his ministry is true, and he takes advantage of no one. In fact he puts himself at a disadvantage in order to bless the brothers and sisters  in Christ.

Paul compares the tactics of these false apostles and deceitful workmen to the tactics of Satan, who uses deceit in order to appear as an “angel of light.”

This puts me in a mood of critical self-reflection. When have I cared more about my appearing to be righteous than my actually doing works of mercy, justice, and love?

2 Corinthians 7-9

Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:7-8‬)

In these three chapters (7-9) of the Bible’s book of Second Corinthians Paul the Apostle writes concerning his collection of money to be taken and given to the church at Jerusalem (See Acts 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; Galatians 2:10; Romans 15:25-31). In the two verses above he sketches out a sort of contract between the giver and God. God’s part is seen in providing the giver with the stuff of life in abundance. The giver’s part is seen in receiving, recognizing both adequacy and oversupply,  and freely and joyfully choosing to give. Whenever that choice is made in that frame of mind, God smiles.

According to Paul, giving when motivated by mere duty is not so desired by God, neither is giving while harboring a begrudging attitude. What is your frame of mind when giving, reader?

2 Corinthians 4-6, Proverbs 7

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. (2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:13‬)

Paul the Apostle acknowledges here that, since he and his companions are completely giving themselves to God, others may think he is “beside himself,” in other words “out of his mind.” This happens frequently to those who are zealous for God. Doubtful observers see them and say, “They are nuts,” or, “They need help.” That’s acceptable to Paul. Being thought ill of is a small price to pay for being properly aligned with God.

Paul also acknowledges that some may think he is in his right mind. I take this to mean that he seems logical, reasonable, and thoughtful to them. While others may use their powers of reason to defend themselves, here Paul dedicates his intellect to the service of others. “If I make sense, then it’s not simply for me, it is for you!” Verbal self-defense is rarely effective. When others attack with their words, responding in kind entangles one with the attackers, at best, and at worst, it makes one appear even more suspect.

Paul is all about God, others, and self...in that order.

2 Corinthians 1-3

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding (or reflecting) the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:18‬)

The Christ-life is not a moment in time. It is a process of being changed by degrees more and more into the image of Christ. Now Christ is infinitely glorious. Christ shines like the Sun, the Milky Way, and the Crab Nebula. Sometimes we humans see a ray of the Lord’s glory, and sometimes we reflect a glimmer of it. So we shine like a Christ-spark, then a Christ-candle, and later a Christ-ember.

By the Spirit of God I hope to burst into a Christ-fire someday.

1 Corinthians 15-16, Proverbs 6

There are six things which the Lord hates, seven which are an abomination to him:

haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
   and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,
   a false witness who breathes out lies,
   and a man who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs‬ ‭6:16-19‬)

Here I notice that none on this particular list of “no-nos” has to do with offenses in worship, speaking ill of God, actions taken against the LORD, or anything else in the relationship between God and humanity. No, each of the seven things listed are offenses between human and human. And according to the proverb, God disapproves.

I notice also that murder is on the same list as instigating strife in a fellowship or family. Truly, blessed are the peacemakers!

1 Corinthians 11-14

Does not nature itself teach you that for a man to wear long hair is degrading to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her pride? For her hair is given to her for a covering. (1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:14-15‬)

No, Paul, nature does not teach this. Nature teaches that both male and female hair grows to whatever length its owner allows. Just saying...

1 Corinthians 8-10

No temptation [test] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted [tested] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted [tested], he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

This assertion follows Paul's list of some things that tempted his ancestors, idolatry, for example, and sexual immorality. He is telling Corinthian Christians they aren't exempt from the kinds of tests and/or temptations the rest of humanity experiences, simply because humans are, after all, human. But Paul the Apostle is encouraging the Corinthian Christians, too. They share the same temptations and/or tests as the rest of humankind experiences, but they are endowed with spiritual resources with which to face and to bear temptations and/or tests. In the verse of scripture above he alludes to two reservoirs of help made available to the followers of Christ--God's faithfulness and God's providence.

One last note: This verse of scripture does not say God tempts or tests anyone (See James 1:13). What it does say is that God limits the testing and tempting the Corinthians encounter and that God gives a means for Corinthians to escape from every test and every temptation they meet.

1 Corinthians 4-7

I mean, brethren, the appointed time has grown very short; from now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the form of this world is passing away.‭‭ (1 Corinthians‬ ‭7:29-31‬)

The refrain to a 38 Special song comes to mind:

Just hold on loosely
   But don't let go
If you cling to tightly
   You're gonna lose control

I don’t believe Paul the Apostle means for husbands to neglect their wives, nor that he intends bereaved people to forswear their grieving. Likewise, I can't bring myself to believe he wants happy people to "put a lid" on their joy, nor that he teaches entrepreneurs to reject best business practices. It's unthinkable to me that he is urging the Corinthians to become otherworldly.

I do believe Paul's advice echoes the song's refrain: "Hold on loosely." In other words, recognize the inevitability of change in ourselves and in the world around us. Make wise use of familiar forms, but make no mistake about them. They are not eternal, just because they are familiar.

God alone is eternal, therefore cling tightly to God. 

1 Corinthians 1-3

While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.”

Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” So he drove them off. Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever. (Acts 18:12-16)

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

Sosthenes is mentioned in the Bible twice in the passages of scripture displayed above. He is the leader of a synagogue in Corinth, beaten by a mob of his peers when the Jews of Corinth made a coordinated attack on Paul the Apostle.

By the time Paul writes to the Corinthians he has moved his ministry to another location, possibly Ephesus. In addressing them he states that the letter is sent by himself and by "our brother Sosthenes." Is this the same synagogue leader? I assume so. If so, then he has traveled with Paul when Paul left Corinth and moved his ministry to at least one other location.

It takes a special kind of grace to ally one's self with an outsider. It takes a special kind of strength to receive the abuse of one's own community. It takes a special kind of courage to leave one's community and to travel together with a zealous wanderer such as Paul the Apostle.

Sosthenes seems special to me.

Romans 15-16, Proverbs 5

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” (Romans 15:1-3)

Here Paul the Apostle encourages selfless actions and attitudes toward neighbors, especially those who have exhibited weaknesses. But what are some selfish actions and attitudes toward neighbors? I offer a brief, incomplete list:

• Be intolerant of others' failures.
• "Kick them when they are down."
• Discover others' weaknesses, then exploit them.
• Ignore neighbors.
• Take care of "number one."

Some folks try to please neighbors, but for their own good, not for their neighbors' good. They may think, "If I please her, then she will feel indebted to me," or "When I please him it will make me feel good," or "Whenever I please them I look better in the community." Such attitudes are self-serving.

What a difference when folks please neighbors for their neighbors' good! It has the effect of strengthening those neighbors, helping them to feel wanted, cared for, valued, and loved. It also helps to humble one's self. 

Romans 12-14

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (Romans 13:1-2)

This is easy for Paul the Apostle to write.  In his lifetime three out of four persons in the Roman Empire are enslaved. He is not. He is a Roman citizen, and he thinks everything is about to come to an end anyway (See Romans 13:11-14).

I differ with Paul's belief that existing authorities have been established by God. Some, but certainly not all authorities are beneficiaries of God's favor. For reasons I don't understand God allows some wicked governing authorities to come to power, too. In such a case those governed have not only the right, but also the responsibility both to resist and to overthrow those wicked authorities. 

If it is ever said, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities," let it also be said, "Let the governing authorities be subject to God."

Romans 9-11

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
   How unsearchable his judgments,
   and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
   Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
   that God should repay them?”
For from him and through him and for him are all things.
   To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)

In the culmination of Paul's letter to the Romans he is moved to awe and wonder. He has attempted to give insight into God's dealings both with Jews and with Gentiles. He has shared his convictions concerning God's character, including convictions with regard to God's love, mercy, grace, justice, patience, salvation, and more. Paul concludes with the idea that all things belong in God's economy, because all things are from, through, and for God and God alone!

How can you feel left out, reader? How can I?

Romans 7-8, Proverbs 4

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

These are some of the most encouraging words in the Bible to me. God loves us humans. No person, no circumstance, no power subverts the love between God and humanity. That love is "count-on-able." Soak in that, souls!

Romans 4-6

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)

Jesus Christ is access to God, providing us with grace to trust. By our trusting in cooperation with divine grace we are put in the kind of intimate fellowship with God for which we humans were created in the first place. Such intimacy with God steeps us in peacefulness and inspires us to hope for increasing incorporation into divine glory.

Romans 1-3

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

This claim resonates with my understanding, especially the insight gained through my experience of the natural world. As I see it, all of creation points to all of its Creator. It is of God. It is vast. It is beautiful. It is mysterious. It exists and operates by some unimaginable power and according to unfathomable wisdom.

Acts 27-28, Proverbs 3

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! (Acts 28:30-31)

This is the last of what the Bible has to say about Paul the Apostle. It is believed that he died in the mid to late 60s A.D. Several of the early Church Fathers state that Paul was beheaded in Rome by order of Emperor Nero.

Acts 25-26, Proverbs 2

For the upright will live in the land,
   and the blameless will remain in it;
but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
   and the unfaithful will be torn from it. (Proverbs 2:21-22)

These two verses represent elementary-level teaching. The gist of it is that if one does good deeds, one will be rewarded for having done them, and if one does evil deeds, one will be punished for having done them. This kind of teaching serves the purpose of motivating persons to do good deeds and to avoid doing evil deeds. That is admirable teaching. The world would be a better place if people did more good deeds and fewer evil deeds.

There are a couple of inherent fallacies in these two verses. On the one hand, there is the fallacy that the upright and blameless get rewarded, for often they do not, and on the other hand, there is the fallacy that the wicked and unfaithful receive punishment, for in fact, they frequently go unpunished. Humanity's experience is more complicated than the simplistic teachings recorded in the Bible's book of Proverbs, chapter 2.

I have another gripe with respect to this teaching, for it risks instilling in the student a desire to do good deeds, not because they are honorable, right, and helpful, but for the selfish reason that a reward will be given for doing them. I had rather instill in the student a desire to do good deeds, simply because they are good to do. Doing a good deed is its own reward.

When I compare Proverbs, chapter 2, with the Bible's book of Job, I see a more realistic and nuanced understanding of "good versus evil" presented in the latter.

Acts 22-24

Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” (Acts 23:6)

Divide and conquer: Paul uses his knowledge of Jewish beliefs in order to preserve his own life. Because Pharisees believe in resurrection and Sadducees do not, Paul interjects his claim. The two factions have a go at one another, and for the time being they ignore Paul--a temporary victory for the apostle.

Acts 19-21

After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:10-13)

Several persons warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem. The Bible's book of Acts states that some warned Paul "by the Spirit," but Paul's mind remains unchanged. He is compelled by the Spirit (Acts 20:22). I wonder what that means to him. He is compelled by the Spirit, yet others warn him by the Spirit. 

When and how have you taken risks for God's sake, reader? 

Acts 16-18

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. (Acts 18:9-11)

On the strength of his vision Paul continued his bold verbal witness among the Corinthians for 18 months. Then a strong united attack was mounted by his opponents (See Acts 18:12-18). Still, Paul continued the ministry to which he had been called for some time. Then he left, making his way back  to Jerusalem to see the disciples there, to his home church in Antioch for some rest and relaxation, I suppose, and then to the churches he had founded in Galatia and Phrygia in order to strengthen and encourage them.

I'd like to know how Paul discerned the term of God's promise in his vision, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” Perhaps it was as simple as this: God's promise was in effect until the time when someone did attack and harm him, although Paul did stay for some time afterward.

Some of God's promises have no length of term, for example, Jesus' promise, "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b) Other promises remain in force for a definite span of time, for example, the way God dealt with Zechariah: 

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” (Luke 1:19-20)

Still other promises of God have indefinite duration terms, such as the promise made to Paul at Corinth, and the "life span" of such promises must be discerned by the receiver of the promise.

How have you discerned the terms of God's promises to you, reader?

Acts 13-15, Proverbs 1

Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. (Acts 15:1-2)

Anyone who wants to go back to the "good old days" when the church was "in full agreement" can take a lesson from the Bible's book of Acts, chapter 15. Sharp dispute and debate have been part of the church's experience from its very beginning. Here the debate concerns the practice of circumcision and its relevance to the church's teaching on salvation. 

Christ's church in the 21st century continues to debate what to do and what to teach. So, what did Jesus do, and what did he teach?