There are many debates in the church about many important things. In Acts 15 we see the value of debate and we the way the debate over doctrine should come together. Those in dispute came together and shared their views. Someone moderated the meeting (in this case, James). He seems to be ultimately the one who is going to make the decision (see verse 19). But, the key to James' decision and the debate is found in this statement by James, who is speaking to validate Peter, Paul and Barnabas' words:
Acts 15:15
With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written,
He then goes on to quote the Old Testament prophets. What he has done is verified the words of these men of God with the words of the men of God from the past. God's plan is not dis-jointed. It is an harmonious plan. God speaks through one man with the same message He speaks through another man. What God did in the New was a continuous of the the Old. But, with a different aspect of fulfillment. Isn't it interesting that the debate in chapter 15 centered around some of the church wanting to keep the Law (OT) and when the discussion was done they affirmed the decision by keeping the Prophets (OT). The two parts of the OT are not in conflict. It is only how we interpret them that is in conflict. Christ repeatedly said He came to "fulfill" the law. Let's not argue and debate endlessly. Let's find an answer to our debate that harmonizes the Scripture, not puts it into conflict with itself. The early church did it through solid debate, deep discussion and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
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