The Apostolical Council, often referred to as the Council of Jerusalem, is a significant event in early Christian history, recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 15. This council addressed the critical issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to observe the Mosaic Law, particularly the rite of circumcision. The council's decisions were pivotal in shaping the early Church's approach to Gentile believers and the relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians.

Background and Context

The early Christian community was predominantly Jewish, and the initial spread of the Gospel was largely among Jewish populations. However, as the message of Christ began to reach Gentile communities, questions arose regarding the necessity of adhering to Jewish customs and laws. The issue came to a head when certain individuals from Judea taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved" (Acts 15:1).

This teaching caused considerable debate and division within the early Church, prompting the need for a formal gathering of apostles and elders to resolve the matter.

The Council's Proceedings

The Apostolical Council convened in Jerusalem, with key figures such as the Apostle Peter, the Apostle Paul, Barnabas, and James, the brother of Jesus, in attendance. The council began with a discussion of the issue, during which Peter recounted his experience with Cornelius, a Gentile who received the Holy Spirit without circumcision, emphasizing that God "made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9).

Paul and Barnabas also shared their experiences of the signs and wonders God had performed among the Gentiles, further supporting the argument that faith, rather than adherence to the Law, was the basis of salvation.

James, who appeared to have a leading role in the council, proposed a solution that acknowledged the work of God among the Gentiles while respecting Jewish customs. He cited the words of the prophet Amos, affirming that God intended to include the Gentiles in His plan of salvation (Acts 15:16-17).

The Council's Decision

The council reached a consensus that Gentile converts should not be burdened with the full yoke of the Mosaic Law. Instead, they were to abstain from certain practices: "abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood" (Acts 15:20). This decision was communicated in a letter sent to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, delivered by Paul, Barnabas, Judas (called Barsabbas), and Silas.

The letter emphasized that the Holy Spirit guided the council's decision, stating, "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements" (Acts 15:28).

Significance

The Apostolical Council was a defining moment in the early Church, establishing the principle that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ and not through the works of the Law. This decision affirmed the universality of the Gospel and facilitated the Church's mission to the Gentiles, allowing for a more inclusive Christian community. The council's resolution also set a precedent for addressing doctrinal disputes within the Church through collective discernment and reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.Apostolical Council

APOSTOLICAL COUNCIL

ap-os-tol'-i-kal koun'-sil: The assembly of the apostles and elders held in Jerusalem (49 A.D.), an account of which is given in Acts 15.

The Apostolical Canons.
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. The Apostolical Canons. Introduction. To
affirm that the "Apostolical Canons" were a collection of ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the apostolical canons.htm

General Council of Nic??a.
... as to fathers, labouring to bring about their unanimity in the apostolical doctrines. ...
They drew up a formulary of their faith, and presented it to the council. ...
/.../chapter vi general council of nicaea.htm

Since Our Pious and Christian Emperor Has Addressed this Holy and ...
... for their learning and sanctity, frequently dispensed with this Apostolical law;
as ... were incapable of ordination, and ought to be deposed; the Council of Toledo ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon iii since our pious.htm

The Canons of the Holy and Ecumenical Seventh Council. Canon I.
... From the wording of this canon it is clearly seen that by the Fathers of this Council
the canons commonly called "Apostolical" are attributed to the Apostles ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the canons of the holy 3.htm

Epistle of the Emperor Constantine to the Council of Tyre .
... without partiality or prejudice, in accordance with the ecclesiastical and apostolical
rule, and to ... The bishops accordingly repaired to the council of Tyre. ...
/.../chapter xxvii epistle of the emperor.htm

He Refutes his Opponent by the Testimony of the Council of Antioch ...
... Mesopotamia, and (4) the "Creed of Charisius" preserved in the Acts of the Council
of Ephesus ... That however which is found in the Apostolical Constitutions (VII ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iii he refutes his.htm

Authorities in Support of the Council. Theognostus; Dionysius of ...
... speaks of that apostolical faith, which was set forth in writing by the Fathers
in Nic??a ... by our Holy Fathers, but not as yet [ie till the Council of Chalcedon ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter vi authorities in support of.htm

Peter and John Examined by the Council.
... The council was assembled; and Peter and John having been brought out of prison ... to
flatter: the glory of his Master, the dignity of the Apostolical office, and ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture v peter and john.htm

The Council of Jerusalem.
... a sufficient number of members to render the assembly at Jerusalem a Council. ... should
be decided by immediate revelation, or by Apostolical authority, there was ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvi the council of.htm

Forasmuch As, Either from Necessity, or through the Urgency of ...
... this injunction is in fact contained in the eightieth (seventy-ninth) apostolical
canon; and according to that, it would be older than the Council of Nic??a. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon ii forasmuch as either.htm

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