A disagreement arose among Barnabas and Paul, and some Jewish leaders, on the subject of the Gentiles being circumcised and obeying other Jewish laws from the Old Testament. Rather than let the problem fester, the leaders of the church gathered in Jerusalem, discussed the issues openly, sought God’s will, and then let their established authority (in this case James) resolve the issue. The end result was a compromise that lead to all being encouraged and strengthened in the work of the Gospel. We should not be afraid of disagreements in the church or among believers, but should face them openly and with love, respect, and grace.