In this chapter the Apostle Paul tells of the Council of Jerusalem, described in detail in the Book of Acts. It discussed...
In this chapter the Apostle Paul tells of the Council of Jerusalem, described in detail in the Book of Acts. It discussed what should be done with Gentiles who had immediately come to believe in Christ and did not know the Law—in particular, whether they needed to be circumcised and observe all the provisions of the Law binding on Jews. Paul and Barnabas’ testimony about the conversion of the Gentiles, their firmness in defending their views, and their obedience to the Church show us how the first Christians resolved the problems that arose. Attentiveness to another person’s opinion, joint discussion of what was happening, and the adoption of a decision were the chief ways of settling disputed questions.
It should be said that Christ’s words that “the truth will make you free” are illustrated very well by this text. One might suppose that Paul, a Pharisee and a disciple of Gamaliel, should have opposed the conversion of Gentiles altogether. Yet here he bears witness to those who do not know the one God. He should have defended the letter of the Law, but he insists that the essential thing in conversion is to accept Christ crucified and risen and to receive the Holy Spirit. And the first named among the Twelve Apostles who supported him is not Peter, as usual, but James—the very James who, though a Christian, continued to observe all the provisions of the Law so scrupulously that the Jews called him righteous. Such freedom in the outward practices of believers is possible only when the Holy Spirit lives and acts among them.
