Acts 15:22-27

How important it is to decisively nip things in the bud before they have time to spread. These men who were causing confusion received a stern reprimand, as the apostles and elders were unanimous in their decision. They sent that decision back to Antioch with Paul, Barnabas, and two official representatives, along with a letter to verify the ruling they had made regarding circumcision.

Lies can spread quickly and cause much damage if left unchecked or unchallenged. Distorted truth is equally damaging, and we must be aware that the enemy is very clever at twisting things. Look at what he did in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve that got us all into this mess to begin with. The only way to dislodge a lie is with the truth—but you have to know the truth. Otherwise, things can sound right in the moment but turn sour very quickly.

Don't believe everything you hear. Do a little research before you swallow what someone is trying to give or tell you. As Proverbs 18:13, 17 states:

“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish….The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.”
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Always allow for a cross-examination of the facts, and the best way to do that is to get to know what the Bible says. The Bible is truth. It helps us discern right from wrong and interpret the “fruit” we are seeing, as Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruit.”

Watch how people react to things. Their reactions often show you all you need to know. Consider the wisdom of Solomon in determining who was the real mother of the child brought before him. It was the reaction of the true mother and the imposter that gave it away.

The truth can stand on its own, whereas a lie often needs to be defended, sometimes with force. When people are unwilling to come and discuss things at the table but would rather use force to subject others into compliance, that should be a red flag, no matter what the situation.

Consider the words of Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:24-26:

“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
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“Gently instruct...” Charlie Kirk is a modern-day example of someone who did this masterfully. As he held gatherings and invited anyone to ask him questions, I found that he would debate issues respectfully despite the hostility he often received from those challenged by the truth he was presenting. Yet, true to the devil’s handbook, when he cannot silence a message, he seeks to silence the messenger. History has demonstrated this pattern repeatedly. Nevertheless, what the enemy means for evil, God always turns for good.

Some people's messages become even more powerful after they are gone. Such is the case with Jesus. Do you know why we are still talking about Him? Because He is Truth, and the darkness can never extinguish Him or His message.

Closing Thought:
The Jerusalem Council understood that false teaching could not be ignored. Left unchecked, it would have spread confusion throughout the church and placed believers back under a burden Christ had already fulfilled. Truth is not preserved by silence but by lovingly, courageously, and patiently proclaiming what God has said. While lies often rely on emotion, pressure, and distortion, truth remains steady because it rests upon the unchanging character of God. Our responsibility is to know the truth, live the truth, and communicate it with the same grace and firmness demonstrated by Christ and His apostles.