The very last verse of this section contains the theme of this final section–Acts 16:5 So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in numbers daily.
That outcome is highly expected after the teaching, preaching and encouragement mentioned in vv.30-35 of chapter 15, but when you look at the verses which are after v.35, you will discover that the strengthening and growth of the church came about after a sharp disagreement between missionaries and the circumcision of one of Paul’s associates! Since these events follow a section that portrays such rich unity and such minimization of the Mosaic law (Acts 15), it is downright shocking that Luke would depict the growth of the church through these means.
However, the shocking nature of this may be exposing some faulty thinking within us. If we have a view that a healthy church should never have significant disagreements between members or that there won’t be significant costs incurred in order to love one another, then we have a view that doesn’t coincide with NT teaching about the church.
More specifically, here are some questions for us: What happens in you when there is disagreement with another Christian in non-essential matters of life or perhaps even doctrine? Does a judgmental or fearful spirit rise up from within OR can you go on as normal, faithfully ministering to others? Or how about when you are faced with a situation in which you are called upon by a weaker brother or sister to give up something for the sake of love? Does it lead you to judge the other person as a spiritual weakling and one who is out to destroy your personal enjoyment?
These questions lead to the answer of what ultimately drives you—that the name of Jesus may be magnified in your life or something else that involves personal gain?