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Church discipline
📖 Acts 15:23-24
Acts 15 - Series 2/Episode 09 - Wed, 15th Apr 2026 - Church discipline - Acts 15:22-35 - THE ANNOUNCEMENT - Matthew 18:15-17
Acts 15:23-24 They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. (24) Since 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 such commandment-
The church leadership made it clear that they had not sent those who went from Judea to the churches in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia with the message that the Gentile believers must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses to be saved.
Discipline and order in the church must be upheld and enforced. This is expected, practised, and executed for the health of the body of Christ.
The Lord Jesus provided us with a pattern for discipline within the body of Christ. Matthew 18:15-17 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. (16) But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY WORD MAY BE ESTABLISHED.' (17) And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
We see that this was the process that was followed for the issue that was disputed, for which the Jerusalem Council took place. At the end of the Council, it is seen that the whole church was satisfied with the verdict of the Council. Acts 15:22-23 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. (23) They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.
The Lord has said that the person causing a dispute in the church must repent and submit to the authority of the elders of the church. If not, then that person must be treated as a heathen and a tax collector. To be treated as a heathen and a tax collector does not mean to be excommunicated from the church, but to call for repentance, experience the love of Jesus and surrender to His lordship.
Jesus did not come for the righteous but for the sinners. Matthew 9:12-13 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. (13) But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Paul gives us clear teaching on how the church must deal with someone who is immoral. I Corinthians 5:1-5 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles-that a man has his father's wife! (2) And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. (3) For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. (4) In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, (5) deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. / I Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner-not even to eat with such a person.
The principle here is to root out immorality from the church. There needs to be disciplinary measures put in place, but that person who has indulged in sin must be restored to the fellowship of the church. II Corinthians 2:6-8 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, (7) so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. (8) Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.
This is the direction provided for dealing with divisive people in the church. Titus 3:9-10 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. (10) Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, / Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
Church leaders must also correct and rebuke when needed. II Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
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