The Jerusalem Council

Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers that unless they were circumcised according to the custom of Moses, they could not be saved. Paul and Barnabas strongly disagreed with them, so the believers appointed Paul, Barnabas, and some others to go up to Jerusalem and ask the apostles and elders about this question.

As they travelled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how Gentiles had turned to God, and this brought great joy to the brothers. In Jerusalem they were welcomed by the assembly, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported what God had done. But some believers from the Pharisees said Gentiles must be circumcised and commanded to keep the law of Moses.

The apostles and elders gathered to consider the matter. After much discussion, Peter reminded them that God had chosen for the nations to hear the good news and believe through his message. God gave them the Holy Spirit just as he had to Jewish believers, making no distinction between them and cleansing their hearts by faith. Peter said that all are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.

Then everyone listened quietly while Barnabas and Paul told about the signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them. James said this agreed with the prophets. His judgment was that Gentiles who turned to God should not be troubled, but should be told to keep away from idol pollution, sexual immorality, what is strangled, and blood.

So the apostles, the elders, and the whole assembly chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas to go with Paul and Barnabas. They sent a letter to the Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. It explained that the people who had troubled them had gone out without their authority. The letter said that it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to them, not to place any greater burden on them than those necessary instructions.

When they arrived in Antioch, the believers gathered together and the letter was read aloud. They rejoiced because of its encouragement. Judas and Silas, who were prophets, strengthened the brothers with many words. After some time, Judas and Silas were sent off in peace, while Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord with many others. How can God’s people seek truth together with grace and care?