Introduction:
The Jerusalem Council, a pivotal event in early Christian history, is recorded in the New Testament in Acts 15. This council addressed the critical issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to observe the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision. The council's decisions had profound implications for the spread of Christianity and the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers.

Historical Context:
The early Christian church emerged from a Jewish context, and initially, most believers were Jewish. As the Gospel spread, many Gentiles came to faith, leading to questions about the necessity of adhering to Jewish customs. The controversy intensified when certain individuals from Judea insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised according to the custom of Moses to be saved (Acts 15:1).

The Council's Gathering:
In response to this dispute, Paul and Barnabas, who had been ministering to Gentiles, were appointed to go to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders about this question (Acts 15:2). The council convened with key figures such as the apostles Peter and James, along with other elders and church leaders.

Key Discussions and Speeches:
During the council, significant speeches were made. Peter recounted his experience with Cornelius, a Gentile who received the Holy Spirit without adhering to the Law, emphasizing that God "made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9). Peter argued against placing a yoke on the Gentiles that neither their ancestors nor they could bear (Acts 15:10).

Paul and Barnabas also shared testimonies of the signs and wonders God had performed among the Gentiles, supporting the view that God was working among them apart from the Law (Acts 15:12).

James, the brother of Jesus and a leading figure in the Jerusalem church, provided a decisive voice. He cited the prophets, particularly Amos, to show that the inclusion of Gentiles was consistent with God's plan (Acts 15:15-18). James proposed that Gentiles should not be burdened with the Law but should abstain from certain practices associated with idolatry and immorality (Acts 15:19-20).

The Council's Decision:
The council reached a consensus, agreeing with James's proposal. They drafted a letter to be sent to the Gentile believers, affirming that they were not required to be circumcised or follow the Mosaic Law, except for abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, blood, meat of strangled animals, and sexual immorality (Acts 15:28-29). This decision was delivered by Paul, Barnabas, Judas (called Barsabbas), and Silas to the churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, bringing great encouragement and unity (Acts 15:30-31).

Theological Implications:
The Jerusalem Council was a defining moment for the early church, affirming that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by adherence to the Law. This decision underscored the universality of the Gospel and the new covenant established through Christ, which transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. The council's resolution helped to maintain the unity of the church and facilitated the continued spread of Christianity among the Gentiles.

Legacy:
The Jerusalem Council set a precedent for resolving doctrinal disputes within the church through collective discernment and reliance on Scripture and the Holy Spirit. It highlighted the importance of maintaining the core message of the Gospel while being sensitive to cultural differences. The council's decision is seen as a foundational moment in the history of the church, shaping its mission and identity as a community of believers from diverse backgrounds united in Christ.