The Council of Jerusalem: Freedom in Christ

The Council of Jerusalem: Freedom in Christ

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I write to you with a heart full of love and encouragement. I want to share with you the significant events and decisions made at the Council of Jerusalem, which have profound implications for the growth and unity of the Church.

After the successful First Missionary Journey of Paul and Barnabas, one would expect universal rejoicing among all Christians. Indeed, God was bringing people of all ethnic groups into His kingdom. However, many Jewish Christians were troubled. They believed that new believers should follow not only the teachings of Christ but also the laws of Moses. This controversy struck at the heart of the Gospel and threatened to hinder the growth of the Church.

The issue came to a head in Antioch. Peter was visiting the city, rejoicing that so many Gentiles were being saved. He was quite content to fellowship with the converted Gentiles who did not follow the laws of Moses. However, when some Jewish Christians criticized him, Peter withdrew from the Gentiles. This act implied that the Gentile converts were not fully accepted as Christians, which greatly incensed Paul. The church at Antioch appointed Paul and Barnabas to go to Jerusalem to discuss this critical issue with the leaders of the Church.

This gathering, known as the Council of Jerusalem, was a pivotal moment in the history of the Church. We came together, not just as leaders but as brothers, to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and find a resolution that would honor God and promote unity among believers. There was significant discussion, and various viewpoints were expressed. Some argued that adherence to the laws of Moses was essential, while others, like Paul and Barnabas, contended that salvation is through grace alone, not by the works of the law.

As the debate continued, Peter stood up and recounted how God had chosen him to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, and how He had given them the Holy Spirit just as He had given it to the Jews. Peter reminded us that God makes no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, purifying their hearts by faith. He questioned why we would place a yoke on the necks of the disciples that neither we nor our ancestors could bear. "We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are" (Acts 15:11).

With these words, the assembly fell silent, and Paul and Barnabas shared their experiences of the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles. Their testimony was powerful and further confirmed that God was indeed at work among the Gentiles, independent of the Mosaic law.

After listening to all sides, I stood to speak. I recalled the words of the prophet Amos, who foretold that God would restore David’s fallen tent and that the rest of humanity might seek the Lord, including all the Gentiles who bear His name. I concluded that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead, we should write to them, advising them to abstain from things polluted by idols, sexual immorality, meat of strangled animals, and blood. These guidelines would foster unity without burdening them with the entirety of the Mosaic law (Acts 15:19-20).

The decision was unanimous. We drafted a letter to be delivered by Paul, Barnabas, and others, including Silas and Judas Barsabbas, to the believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. The letter conveyed our decision and encouraged the Gentile believers, affirming their place in the family of God without the need to follow the entire Mosaic law.

This determination to uphold the Gospel of grace and not burden new believers with the Mosaic law was crucial for the growth of the Church. It removed barriers and opened the way for people of all backgrounds to come to faith in Jesus. Men no longer had to be circumcised, nor did they have to follow the dietary laws, rules of feasts, and complicated sacrifices. Christians truly had freedom in Christ.

Paul and Barnabas could not wait to take this message back and resume their evangelical efforts. The Gospel was, is, and always will be a message of grace, accessible to all who believe.

May you be encouraged by this decision and continue to stand firm in the freedom you have in Christ. Let us live in unity, love, and grace, reflecting the heart of our Savior.

In Christ’s love,

James