THE DECISION

James was chairman of the council. He strongly said God desired to bring Gentiles into the church. Gentiles were to enjoy all the blessings given the Jews. The Holy Spirit knew there was no reason for Gentile converts to keep the ceremonial law. The apostles and elders gave the matter careful study, then agreed with James and the Holy Spirit. James' final decision was, "'that we should not trouble the Gentiles who are turning to God'" (Acts 15:19, TEV).SRme 1.1399

The decision of James was that the ceremonial law, and especially circumcision, should not be forced on Gentiles. James wanted the brethren to clearly understand that the Gentiles had made great changes in their faith by coming to God from idolatry. James urged that great care be used in working with Gentiles so they would not become discouraged in following Christ.SRme 1.1400

The Gentiles were to give up any customs that did not agree with the principles of the Christian Jews. Gentiles were not to do anything that would cause the Jewish brethren to be against them. Gentiles were to keep the Ten Commandments and live holy lives. The Gentiles were also told that the men who said circumcision was necessary were not authorized by the apostles. Circumcision was not necessary.SRme 1.1401

The apostles and elders agreed to teach the Gentiles by a letter. The rules given in the letter were: "'Eat no food that has been offered to idols; eat no blood; eat no animal that has been strangled; and keep yourselves from sexual immorality. You will do well if you take care not to do these things.'" (Acts 15:29).SRme 1.1402

Paul and Barnabas were presented to the Gentiles as men whose lives had been risked for the Lord. Judas and Silas were sent to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas to explain and support the decision of the council. Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas were sent to Antioch with the letter and the message. The highest authority upon earth had made the decision. This decision ended the argument in the church.SRme 1.1403

Members of the council who decided this case were the men who started the Jewish and Gentile Christian churches. Elders from Jerusalem and delegates from Antioch were present. Delegates from the most important churches were present also. The council members did not say they were perfect and could not make mistakes. But the council used their best judgment, guided by God. They acted for the church that God had established. The council members saw that God Himself decided this question by giving the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. The council members followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit.SRme 1.1404

Not all the delegates were asked to vote on the question. The apostles and elders were men of influence and judgment. The apostles and elders made and wrote the decision that was accepted by the Christian churches.SRme 1.1405

Not everyone was pleased with the decision. A group of false brethren decided to work against the decision. These false brethren complained and criticized the decision. The false brethren suggested new plans and tried to destroy the work of the ministers whom God had ordained. The church has always had some people who try to destroy God's work. There will always be people in the church who complain and criticize until Jesus comes.SRme 1.1406