27th Mar 26 | 16:08
Studies by Book
01 Acts 15 01-21 THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL 09 Acts 15 01-02 The process of the Jerusalem Council
📖 Acts 15:01-21
Acts 15 – Series 1/ Episode 09 – Thu, 29th Jan 2026 – *The process of the Jerusalem Council* - _Acts 15:01-21_ – THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL – _Acts 15:28_
_Acts 15:1-2 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." (2) Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, *they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question*._
The church in Antioch determined that they would send Paul and Barnabas, along with others, to the elders in Jerusalem with this question.
We must be part of the fellowship of God’s people and be under the discipline of the elders. The Lord has instituted elders in the church, and they are for our care and growth as the body of Christ. We cannot put aside the role and importance of elders. The oversight of the elders in the church is necessary.
This is how the early church functioned. _Acts 2:41-42 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (42) And *they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship*, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers._
The church grew under the teaching and grooming of the apostles. _Acts 2:43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles._
The church’s continual teaching and reminder was to remain under the guidance of the apostles, for they watch over the souls of the believers. _Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for *they watch out for your souls*, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you._
Elders need to be esteemed highly for their work in the body of Christ. _I Thessalonians 5:12-13 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, (13) and *to esteem them very highly in love* for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves._
The example and the faith of the elders need to be followed by the members of the body. _Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, *whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct*._
The word of God gives us clarity on the role of the elders in the church. _Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (12) *for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ*,_
The flock of God is purchased by the blood of Jesus, and the elders are to take care of the church with that spirit. _Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood._
Peter gives us substantial teaching on the functioning of the elders in the church. _I Peter 5:1-4 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: (2) Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; (3) nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; (4) and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away._
Given this as the understanding of the church, it was determined that the matter that was rising in the church in Antioch be taken to the elders in Jerusalem for their redress. When this matter came to the elders in Jerusalem, we see that they immediately responded and gathered to consider and sort it out. _Acts 15:6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter._
This follows an important Biblical principle. _Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established._
The experience of the early church was to always be in the presence of the Lord. As the elders gathered to consider this matter, this meeting was taking place in the presence of God. _Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."_
As the apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem to consider this theological conflict, they were keenly aware that it was not just an academic discussion but a matter of high significance, and that a clear verdict needed to be provided to the churches. This was a formal meeting in Jerusalem. The matter was discussed thoroughly, and a clear, authoritative verdict was provided for the churches, which was what was needed. It was a discussion guided by the Lord. _Acts 15:28 For *it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us*, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:_
```How wonderful it is to know how the Lord blessed the Jerusalem Council with His presence, and the leaders were led by Him to give a clear verdict!. The pattern of the Jerusalem Council is what we must follow in our churches to provide godly direction on several matters that are confronting and challenging the church today.```