Controversy Over Membership

Do you know of some groups or clubs that restrict who can be members? Why might these groups restrict membership?

Who was joining the Christian Faith? The Apostles led by Peter  focused on converting non-believing Jews Paul and his followers  focused on converting gentiles (non-Jews) What might be some issues that you could see popping up?

Problems with Jewish Law law forbid Jews “to associate with or visit [Gentiles]” (Acts 10:28) Problem as early Christianity was closely tied to Jewish law and custom Many didn’t believe gentiles should be welcomed in  because they did not follow Jewish custom – they were unclean Despite this some of the Apostles, including Peter, baptized gentiles

Cornelius – 1 st Gentile Convert Was a Roman centurion in Caesarea Had vision telling him to send for Simon Peter Peter also had a vision (Acts 10:11-16) To Peter the vision meant he must open the Church to gentiles (Acts 10:34-36, ) Peter baptized Cornelius and those gentiles with him The power of the Holy Spirit descended on the gentiles – amazing the Jewish Christians

Jewish Anger at Gentile Conversion Anger greeted Peter on his return to Jerusalem  How could Peter break Jewish law by visiting and eating with gentiles? How could he admit them to the group? Even if Gentiles accepted the One God, they were not the Chosen People – they were unclean Peter defended his decision - told the story of what had happened Reminded them  Jesus had eaten with sinners, tax-collectors, and Samaritans

Gentile Acceptance Peter’s explanation calmed them for a while Agreed to gentile membership  God has accepted them, so should we. Did not end the conflict entirely

Antioch – First Jewish-Gentile Christian Community Both groups had lived together for a long time When Christ’s message was spread, converts were from both groups United by faith in Jesus The disciples were first called “Christians” here News of this mixed congregation re-opened the earlier controversy

Proof of Christian Solidarity Persecution of Jews in Jerusalem increased Apostle James was beheaded Christians in Antioch provided material and spiritual support  took up a collection for the Jerusalem Christians

Hello Controversy, My Old Friend Issue over what was expected of the gentiles Would Gentiles have to become Jews to become Christians? Do you have to be a Jew to be a Christian? Would they have to follow Jewish Law (Mosaic Law)?

Jewish Christian Perspective Jesus followed Jewish Law Christians, even gentiles, should follow Jewish Laws All of the law not just certain parts

Jewish Dietary Laws Gentile converts ate food prohibited by Jewish Law Pork and shellfish being most common Problem when these communities shared meals Eating with gentiles also prohibited Peter had been scolded for eating with gentiles

Law about Circumcision Jerusalem Christians insisted all male gentile converts be circumcised Christians in Antioch were understandably concerned Gentile Christian response: Yeah, right. You guys are nuts!

Paul’s Perspective Belief and faith in Jesus Christ is what was important Belief implied freedom from Jewish tradition Freedom from Jewish Law No need to follow Jewish dietary laws or be circumcised

Ecumenical Council Taken from the Greek word “oikoumen” Ecumenical means “the inhabited world” Council called by church dignitaries and theological experts Used to discuss Church doctrine and practice Decisions are meant to be followed by all Christians

Council of Jerusalem, 50 A.D. 1 st ecumenical/church council Called to deal with the Jewish/Gentile issue Made up of Apostles and church leaders Paul and Barnabas spoke of the enthusiasm and faith of the gentiles  the Holy Spirit had made this possible Heated debate b/w the two sides

Peter Addresses the Council 7 'My brothers,' he said, 'you know perfectly well that in the early days God made his choice among you: the gentiles were to learn the good news from me and so become believers. 8 And God, who can read everyone's heart, showed his approval of them by giving the Holy Spirit to them just as he had to us. 9 God made no distinction between them and us, since he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Why do you put God to the test now by imposing on the disciples the very burden that neither our ancestors nor we ourselves were strong enough to support? 11 But we believe that we are saved in the same way as they are: through the grace of the Lord Jesus.‘ (Acts 15:7- 11)

Peter’s Decision As head of the Church, Peter, supported by James (leader of Church in Jerusalem) ruled that: 28 It has been decided by the Holy Spirit and by ourselves not to impose on you any burden beyond these essentials: 29 you are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from illicit marriages. Avoid these, and you will do what is right. Farewell.‘ (Acts 15:28-19) Jewish dietary laws and circumcision did not have to be followed

New Membership Requirements What is required for membership? Belief in Jesus Christ is what matters, not the following of Jewish law

Significance of the Decisions What is the significance of the decision to allow gentile membership and the council decision? Says the Church as meant for everyone Catholic comes from the Greek word for “universal”  decision gave the church it’s universality – no one is left out Enables the Church to spread though the world Gentile members soon outnumbered Jewish members Begins the development of a non-Jewish identity

28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither slave nor freeman, there can be neither male nor female -- for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

Homework Why is The Council of Jerusalem significant to church history?  Ie: Why is this development important?