Council of Jerusalem Junior Theology

The early church encountered the following problem… 1. What objection did the Pharisee-Christians make concerning the baptizing of Gentiles? Gentiles were expected to follow the entire Jewish law if they were baptized Dietary Laws Circumcision (sign of the Covenant)

Council of Jerusalem Met in 50A.D. First Ecumenical Council 2. What role did Paul and Barnabas play in the meeting in Jerusalem? They explained to the assembly their work in converting Gentiles and God’s blessing of success on their mission, the “signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.” (Acts 15:4, 12)

Council of Jerusalem 3. What was Peter’s perspective on the question of whether the Gentile Christians should follow the complete Jewish law? After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them: “My brothers, you are well aware that from the early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith, he purified their hearts. Why then are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way as they.” (Acts 15: 6 – 11)

Council of Jerusalem 4. What did James contribute to the discussion about the Gentiles? James says that after hearing this witness, “we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God. But tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood.” (Acts 15: 19-20)

Council of Jerusalem 5. What did the Council of Jerusalem decide? Why was the decision significant for the Christian community? They wrote a letter saying that some people had disturbed the Gentiles by requiring them to observe the Jewish Law, but they had no authority to do so. . . “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these things, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.”(Acts 15: 28 – 29) They authorized Paul and Barnabas, Judas and Silas to carry this message to the Gentile communities.

Major Turning Point For The Church After the Council: The Church is enabled to spread throughout the world (as Jesus commanded). Gentile-Christians soon outnumbered Jewish-Christians (clearer separation from Judaism under the New Covenant) Church has an example/model of how to address conflict & resolution As St. Paul wrote: “There is no longer Jew or Greek…all are one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28)

Council of Jerusalem Decision by the group gathered around Peter: “The decision of the Holy Spirit and of us…” recalls the promise from John’s Gospel: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)