Primary Scriptures: Acts 15
Story Summary: The Council of Jerusalem
Location: Roman Empire; Jerusalem
Time: 30 AD. Death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Pentecost. 46 AD Paul’s “famine” visit to Jerusalem, start of First Missionary Journey 48 AD Council of Jerusalem
After a successful First Missionary Journey, it seems like all Christians would have been rejoicing with Paul and Barnabas that God was bringing in people of all ethnic groups. But many of the Jewish Christians were unhappy because they wanted all new believers to follow both the tenets of Christianity and the laws of Moses.
From a distance of two thousand years, this controversy may seem troubling, but not crucial. However, Paul and Barnabas understood that it struck to the heart of the Gospel and would greatly determine the growth of the Church. They believed that new Christians did not have to follow the laws of Moses.
The controversy came to a head in Antioch. Peter was visiting the city, rejoicing that so many Gentiles were being saved and quite satisfied to spend time in the company of the converted Gentiles who did not follow the laws of Moses. However, when Jewish Christians criticized him for doing so, he quit fraternizing with the Gentile converts. This insinuated that these converts were not true Christians, which incensed Paul. The church at Antioch appointed Paul and Barnabas to meet with the Christians leaders in Jerusalem to address this question.
This first great confrontation among the Christians was addressed at the so-called Council of Jerusalem. After a significant amount of discussion, it was agreed among the leaders that new Christians did not have to follow the laws of Moses. This ruling was given by James and cemented his leadership position.
This determination to open up the practices of Christianity was crucial in its growth. Now, there were no hindrances to keep people from coming to faith in Jesus. The men did not have to be circumcised. Nobody had to follow the dietary laws, rules of feasts, and complicated sacrifices. Christians truly had freedom in Christ.
Paul and Barnabas could not wait to take the letter from the leaders and resume their evangelical efforts.
Eyewitness Bible Series
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