Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7600 History of God's people in NT  »  7610 Council of Jerusalem

The Council of Jerusalem was possibly the first “assembly” of the Christian church, held c. A.D. 49

The Council met to consider whether circumcision was necessary for salvation

Acts 15:1 See also Romans 4:9; Galatians 5:2-3

Paul and Barnabas came from Antioch to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders

Acts 15:2-12

The Council agreed not to make it difficult for Gentiles who turned to God

Acts 15:19-21 The Council was concerned to avoid forcing Gentiles to adopt Jewish customs (such as circumcision), and at the same time to require Gentiles to behave considerately towards their “weaker brothers” of Jewish birth, not all of whom could be expected to acquire immediately the emancipated outlook on food-laws and the like that Peter and Paul had.

James showed how the decision had confirmed an earlier prophecy

See also Acts 15:15-18; Amos 9:11-12

The written judgment was taken to the Gentile believers by Paul, Barnabas, Silas and Judas

Acts 15:23-29; Acts 16:4

The Council's judgment proved to be a great encouragement to the Gentile believers

Acts 15:30-31; Acts 16:5

See also

5108  Paul, life of
5375  law
7334  circumcision
7510  Gentiles
7540  Judaism
7706  apostles
7720  elders in the church
7733  leaders
8414  encouragement