In order to demonstrate the unity between Jerusalem and the Gentile churches, some men from Jerusalem were sent with Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch. One of these, Silas, was later to accompany Paul on his missionary journeys.
The Jerusalem church also sent a letter. This emphasised that those demanding circumcision had no authority from the Jerusalem church. It also warmly supports Paul and Barnabas. It then reiterates the decision of the Council.
The outcome pleased the church in Antioch. Note also that the two men, Judas and Silas, sent from Jerusalem were not mere officials, but were prophets. They offered spiritual encouragement as well as their other duties. So the work in Antioch continued to flourish.
Just in case anyone thinks that Acts is an attempt to gloss over differences and offer a rose-tinted view of the early church, Luke immediately describes a serious disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. There were many good things about the early church, but they were all weak human beings like the rest of us. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them on their next journey, but Paul disagreed, because John had failed to complete the last trip.
They could find no agreement, so went their separate ways. It should be noted that both Mark and Barnabas receive warm praise in Paul's letters. We need to be realistic. Disagreements will happen, and may be painful, but we must not let them lead to festering resentment.
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