In the early years of the Christian church, one of the first major theological controversies arose concerning the inclusion of Gentiles—non-Jews—into the community of believers. This issue is recorded in Acts 15, where the apostolic church faced a critical question: Must Gentile believers follow the Law of Moses, including circumcision, to be saved?
The Problem: Judaizers Teach Circumcision
Some men came from Judea, teaching that Gentiles must be circumcised according to the Law of Moses to gain salvation. This teaching created confusion and division in the church, especially in Antioch, where Paul and Barnabas were ministering. The argument centered on whether salvation was strictly for Jews who followed the Mosaic Law or if it could be extended to all who had faith in Jesus Christ.
The Jerusalem Council
To resolve this dispute, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and elders. Key figures in this council included Peter, James (the brother of Jesus), and other leaders of the early church. During the discussions, several important points emerged:
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Peter’s Testimony: Peter reminded the council that God had already accepted Gentiles, giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did the Jewish believers (Acts 15:7–9). He emphasized that salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not a result of following the Law of Moses.
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James’ Judgment: James agreed, citing Scripture that predicted Gentiles turning to God. He proposed a solution that would maintain fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers without imposing the full Mosaic Law on Gentiles.
The Decision: Faith, Not Circumcision
The council reached a historic conclusion: Gentile believers did not need to be circumcised or fully follow the Law of Moses to be saved. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through works or legalistic observance of the Law.
However, the council also gave practical instructions to Gentile believers: they were asked to abstain from certain practices that were particularly offensive to Jewish Christians, such as:
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Eating food sacrificed to idols
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Consuming blood
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Eating meat of strangled animals
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Engaging in sexual immorality
These guidelines were intended to foster unity and respect within the diverse body of believers while not imposing the entirety of Jewish law on Gentiles.
The Council’s View on Baptism
While the discussion in Acts 15 primarily focused on circumcision and the Law, it reaffirmed the early church’s understanding of baptism. Baptism was recognized as the public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and a mark of entry into the community of believers. It was not dependent on circumcision or adherence to the Mosaic Law but was a visible symbol of the inward reality of salvation through faith.
Conclusion
The Jerusalem Council was a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity. It clarified that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, accessible to all, Jew and Gentile alike. Circumcision and the works of the Law were no longer requirements for Gentiles, yet certain ethical guidelines were given to maintain unity and honor God. This decision helped shape the early church as a universal community of faith, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries, united by belief in Christ and marked by the practice of baptism.
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