📖 Biblical Definition
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15, c. AD 49) was the first apostolic council, gathered to settle whether Gentile converts must be circumcised and keep the Mosaic ceremonial law. After sharp debate, Peter testified to God’s work among the Gentiles (Acts 15:7-11), Paul and Barnabas reported the signs done through them, and James (the Lord’s brother) issued the binding judgment from Amos 9:11-12: Gentiles are not under the yoke of Moses, but must abstain from idol-food, blood, things strangled, and porneia. The decree was written, sealed, and circulated (Acts 16:4). It is the foundational pattern for ecclesial decision-making: in council, by Scripture, under recognized authority — the model every Reformed and confessional church still follows.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Acts 15 council settling Gentile inclusion.
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The first apostolic council, gathered in Jerusalem (~AD 49) to settle the question whether Gentile converts must be circumcised and keep Mosaic law; concluded — through testimony, Scripture, and Spirit-led discernment — they need not, issuing the Apostolic Decree to facilitate table-fellowship; foundational pattern for ecclesial decision-making.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 15:6-11 — "And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter... but we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."
Acts 15:19 — "Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God."
Acts 15:28-29 — "It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Treated as historical curiosity; missing how it shaped all subsequent ecclesial conciliarism (Nicaea, Chalcedon, etc.).
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The Jerusalem Council established the pattern: when major doctrinal issues arise, the church gathers — apostles and elders, with testimony, Scripture, and Spirit-discernment — and decides. Nicaea, Chalcedon, Westminster all stand on Acts 15. Conciliarism is biblical.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek synedrion — council.
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['Greek', 'G4904', 'synedrion', 'council']
['Greek', 'G4905', 'synerchomai', 'to come together']
Usage
"Read Acts 15 as the conciliar pattern."
"Apostles, elders, Scripture, Spirit, decision."