1st Inter-Continental Church Congress | Jerusalem AD 50

The following addresses some of the most critical and debated issues of Christianity. The leaders of the first century Church thought it crucial to meet and give clarity to certain doctrine in the word of God, “who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” The 1st Inter-Continental Church Congress – Jerusalem AD 50

The purpose of this article is to revisit the findings of that first, most important meeting, that can only reassure believers, and not-yet believers, of God’s true intent for all people, from the beginning.

A Declaration of Independence from The Law of Moses

The meeting of the First Inter-Continental Church Congress was held in Jerusalem around AD 50; whereby the founding church united in a declaration of independence from The Law, through the power of Jesus the Christ. As a result, this declaration sent shock-waves around the world.

This meeting is also known as, The Council of Jerusalem or The Apostolic Council.

After studying the Book of Acts, chapter 15, in the New Testament, I realized this chapter is one of the most important of all of the Bible. This one chapter confirms what the original Church founders believed as a group, under the inspiration and leading of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts was recorded by a man named Luke the Physician.

After coming to a 100% consensus, these Church founders drafted a simple LETTER that was sent to ALL churches in the surrounding areas, both Jew and Gentile believers alike.

What and Who Prompted the Church Congress in AD 50?

IT’S IMPORTANT, AS WE BEGIN, TO CONSIDER TWO KEY CHURCH FOUNDERS’ UNIQUE, FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCES THAT LED UP TO THIS WORLD CHANGING INTER-CONTINENTAL CHURCH CONGRESS.

• Saul of Tarsus | Later Known as the Apostle Paul

The Apostle Paul was the one who called for the meeting, due to what he was hearing and seeing as he traveled spreading the Gospel (good news) of Jesus the Christ. The Good News proclaimed that a person entered the Kingdom of God, by believing and accepting that Christ’s sacrificial death paid the full price for a person’s sins, and their passage into God’s everlasting kingdom—by faith in Him.

At the beginning of Paul’s travels, he brought this gospel message to his Jewish brothers first, speaking in Jewish synagogues; sharing with them his knowledge of Jesus the Christ. However, encountering massive opposition to his message, Paul’s Jewish brothers mocked, beat, and imprisoned him on several occasions for declaring what he considered the most important of all “good news.” To be sure, some Jewish people did receive and believe his message—that a Jew known as Jesus of Nazareth was the long-prophesied Messiah written about in Jewish Scripture.

However, what surprised and changed Paul’s doctrine (core beliefs) was the fact that Gentiles were flocking to this message… and becoming excited believers. In fact, after hearing and receiving the message, the Holy Spirit of God would descend upon them with observable consequences. This event became known as the “Baptism by the Holy Spirit of God.” This “Baptism,” to Paul’s amazement, happened often and repeatedly to Gentiles.

Paul, inspired and amazed by what he was seeing, continued preaching about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, until he was approached by some Jewish Christians from Jerusalem with some NOT so good news. They told Paul that his teaching was in error, and that all new Gentile believers MUST start observing all Jewish customs. Moreover, they believed the Gentiles must follow all the LAWS of God—handed down to Jews by the prophet Moses—in order to retain their newfound kingdom status.

Confused Teachings of the “Judaizers”

These Jewish believers from Jerusalem began teaching the Gentile believers that they had to observe all the laws of Moses, the opposite doctrine that Paul and Barnabas were teaching. As a result, Paul and Barnabas got into a heated argument with them.

Many Jewish Christians could hardly grasp the fact that pagan Gentiles were now suddenly accepted and baptized, by faith in their God. The way they saw it, these new Gentile believers had never been taught about the expectations of the Jewish (Hebrew) God. So, how was all this excitement about their Messiah possible among Gentiles? The Hebrews figured the one true God was only their God!

In fact, at that point in history, Jews were instructed from childhood not to associate with Gentiles, nor enter into a Gentile’s home. So, maybe there should be some sympathy for these first century Jewish “believers.” The fact that now they must accept Gentiles as equals, must have been shocking to them!

Paul, himself a Jew, but now also a believer in Christ, had no problem with accepting Gentiles as equals, and, in fact, did NOT agree with these Jewish brothers. Paul was convinced these new Gentile believers did not need to practice The Law, handed down by Moses, in order to be received as faithful followers of Jesus the Christ.

Faith of the Gentiles Believers

The reason for Paul’s stand on this issue was, he had witnessed Gentiles baptized by the Spirit of God, without knowing or ever following the Mosaic Law. Therefore, they received God’s gift by simply BELIEVING the good news message of the Christ, “The Gospel.” Paul was a first-hand witness to the fact that God’s acceptance of Gentiles came though their faith in the Jewish Messiah, and NOT by any prior work they had done for God.

In other words, these Gentiles simply received and believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah; their advocate, their door, their one-way ‘ticket’, and their straight-path to the Kingdom of God. Therefore, their truly believing made them perfectly righteous in God’s eyes; fit for the Kingdom of God and NOT because of any “work” they’d done to earn their “kingdom-ship” status.

This new doctrine was, and still is, unbelievable to many people today. It just doesn’t seem fair or logical that someone doesn’t have to EARN a place in God’s Kingdom by doing good works.

Again, you can understand that, when Paul was approached by Jewish Christians from Jerusalem with some “not-so-good news,” he was disappointed. Sadly, he was also confused.

Paul Seeks Out Church Leaders in Jerusalem for Confirmation

The Apostle Paul, along with Barnabas, a prominent disciple traveling with Paul at the time, decided to go back to Jerusalem to seek answers. They felt compelled to meet with all the other Apostles of Jesus concerning what they saw happening to the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas needed to know how to instruct these new pagan Gentile believers, going forward.

Paul was very concerned that some of his doctrine may be misguided. After all, Paul had made, and was notorious for, the terrible mistake of having previously persecuted the very Church of which he was now a part. Only his encounter with Jesus the risen Christ on a road to a town called Damascus in Israel, turned him into a believer that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, the Christ—God in the flesh. Therefore, Paul did not want to make another major error in his understanding and core belief.

So, back to Jerusalem he went to get his doctrinal facts straight.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, there were TWO key figures in this First Inter-Continental Church Congress. I wanted to give a brief history of why Peter’s core doctrine was also affected by what he witnessed.

• Simon Peter the Apostle | A Change in Doctrine

After the resurrection and the return of Jesus to Heaven, Peter the Apostle received his commission directly from Jesus, to take the Gospel message to the world. However, something happened to further change Peter’s long-held beliefs and traditions.

Peter was visiting a man named Simon the Tanner, one day, in the City of Joppa, next to the Sea of Galilee. Peter was up on the roof resting, while others in the house prepared supper. Peter tells the story: while on that roof he had a vision, whereby Heaven appeared to open, and a large sheet tied at its four corners descended to earth. In this sheet, made into a vast pocket, like a sack, were all kinds of four-footed animals, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds.

Suddenly, a Voice spoke to him, saying, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.”

Startled, Peter said, “No Lord! I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And the voice spoke to him a second time, “What God has cleansed, you must not call common.” This happened three times, with Peter saying each time that these type creatures were unclean, and he refused to eat them.

But, God replied, “What God has cleansed, you must not call common.”

A Divine Visit

Now, while Peter was wondering what this vision meant, several people showed up at the gate of this house and asked to see him. So, Peter went down from the roof to inquire who they were.

The people had been sent by a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment of the Roman army. They said, “Cornelius the centurion is a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews. He was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.”

The angel had also told Cornelius exactly where Peter was staying, in order to find him.

Peter, surprised and curious as to what this was about, decided to return with these servants of the Roman Centurion, to get to the bottom of it. He also took some of his Jewish friends along, probably for safety, or to be witnesses. Upon arriving at the Roman Centurion’s house, Cornelius seeing Peter, fell down before him, and began to worship. Peter immediately told Cornelius not to worship him, because he was only a man, not a god.

Then Peter asked Cornelius why he had sent for him.

Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting and as I prayed in my house, a man stood before me in bright clothing and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your charities, offerings, are remembered by God. Send your servants to the city of Joppa and summon to your house, Simon, also called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon the Tanner, by the sea of Galilee. When Peter arrives to meet you, he will speak to you.’”

Sent to a Gentile’s House

This must have really puzzled Peter. Why would God tell Peter to go to a Roman Centurion’s house—a Gentile’s house? You see, Peter learned, just like Paul the Apostle, that Jews are NOT to enter into a Gentile’s house, but now God Himself said to do just that.

However, Peter quickly perceived and understood that God was accepting the faith of Gentiles in Jesus the Christ, as righteousness. It was clear that God showed no partially, and Gentile believers are accepted into God’s Kingdom, due to the shed blood of Jesus the Christ, along with Jewish believers.

Therefore, Jews were not to call Gentiles “common” or think of Gentile believers as “unclean.” Peter began praying for and laying hands on those in the Centurion’s house.

At once, the Holy Spirit of God descended upon them and they began speaking in new languages. Peter’s Jewish friends who had traveled with him were shocked by what they witnessed; and that their Jewish God now accepted Gentiles into His kingdom.

You can read this whole story in Acts 10:1-41.

The First Inter-Continental Church Congress at Jerusalem

So, here it is! Remember, Paul and Barnabas had headed to Jerusalem to find answers to the dispute—to determine whether Gentile believers were required to follow the Laws and traditions established by Moses—or NOT. After they arrived in Jerusalem, a meeting was set-up.

The participants in this First Inter-Continental Church Congress were:

• The Apostle Simon Peter
• The Apostle Paul (known as Saul during the time he persecuted the early church)
• All of Jesus’ other Apostles, including Matthias who replaced Judas
• Many other disciples of Jesus, also called Elders
• Believers from the Sect of the Pharisees (disciples)
• Plus TWO OTHERS that I will mention later, who are crucial to this new Declaration of Independence from The Law.

The 1^st Council of Jerusalem Begins

The meeting starts off, as you might expect, where opinions are given, prompting a heated disagreement on what the core doctrine of the Church of Jesus the Christ IS, or should be, concerning ALL believers; both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews).

Speaker: Sect of the Pharisees

The believers from a Sect of the Pharisees stood up and reiterated that “all new Gentile believers must be circumcised and commanded to keep The Law of Moses.”

Speaker: Peter

After much dispute, Peter finally stood and addressed the council:

“Men and brethren, you know that, a good while ago, God chose among us; that by my mouth, the Gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel and believe. So, God who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them; purifying their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do you test God, by putting a burden on the necks of the disciples—these new believers—which neither our fathers, nor WE, were able to bear?

“But we believe that through the GRACE of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

Speakers: Paul and Barnabas

Then all the people at council kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul sharing about the many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.

Speaker: James

And after they had become silent, James answered, saying,

“Men and brethren, listen to me: Simon (Peter) has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. And with this, the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

‘After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things. Known to God from eternity are all His works.’”

James continued, “Therefore, I judge that WE SHOULD NOT TROUBLE those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.”

All the Council in 100% Agreement

Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men from this council to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, to deliver a simple, welcoming letter to the Gentile believers. Along with a few suggestions.

Below is the earth-shaking letter written by the Apostles, the Elders, the Entire Council…

To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the Law”—to whom we gave no such commandment—

It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul; men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have, therefore, sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Farewell.

That’s it!

Consider this letter. Notice, this Church council did NOT send the Gentile believers a whole list of laws, precepts and commandments, do’s and don’ts. They sent just this simple LETTER, telling Gentiles to avoid certain things, because it would be better and healthier for them to stay away from them. Even these few things were still NOT considered commandments.

For this reason, I refer to this letter as the Declaration of Independence from The Law, by the church.

James the Apostle and the Holy Spirit Confirmation

As I mentioned above, I wanted to bring attention to TWO OTHERS who were at this 1st Inter-Continental Church Congress held in Jerusalem. The TWO were James and the Holy Spirit.

The reference to the Holy Spirit is unmistakable in the letter sent to the Gentiles.

In fact, in James’ opening statement, he says, “And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written”

Therefore, I would contend that the FINAL confirmation of the doctrine of GRACE, versus keeping The Law of Moses, was of the Holy Spirit of God. I think all would agree then, there is NO other confirmation required.

Now, the reason I wanted to bring special attention to the Apostle James is that many in the Church, throughout its 2000-year history, have pointed to James as their reason, their go-to verse in the Bible, for believing in the Doctrine of Works. Whereby James had stated, “Faith without works is dead.”

Unfortunately, many believers today—like the Sect of the Pharisees believers (aka “Judaizers”) who were part of that first Church Council—teach that doing good works and keeping The Law, is required to give a person acceptance into the Kingdom of God. Some call this misguided doctrine, “Jesus Plus.”

However, as you’ve just read, this same James, at this very First Inter-Continental Church Congress, also confirmed the Declaration of Independence from The Law.

So, which of James’s declarations is correct?

You might consider that “dead works” does NOT mean a person is not accepted into God’s Kingdom; rather, that a believer with dead works is not a good witness or ambassador for Christ. Moreover, a believer, who has neglected doing good works (deeds) will be awarded accordingly by Jesus Himself, when He returns for His Church.

Consider 2 Timothy 2:20-21, that clarifies James’ statement:

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”

The Doctrine of Grace | A Division Among Christians

A monumental disagreement, causing division among Christian believers even today is, The Doctrine of God’s Grace. Why does it cause deep anger and mistrust, thereby dividing Christians/believers in Jesus the Christ? Why are some fearful of accepting God’s grace by faith alone, thinking we must DO SOMETHING to earn God’s favor?

As human beings, I would argue that we don’t have adequate words in our languages to truly articulate “God’s Grace.” God is Yahweh (I Am That I Am), and His grace is also what it is!

In fact, in my own family, we’ve had many true believers who demonstrated God’s grace, by loving and serving others. Yet, for reasons I’m considering here, they often did not agree with each other on the definition of God’s amazing GRACE.

Surprisingly, however, if you ask most “believers” if they believe in God’s grace—without exception, all would say, “Yes, of course!” Unfortunately, a “BUT” is always forthcoming!

Could Paul the Apostle of Christ be Right?

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. If you ask most believers, “Do you believe what Paul the Apostle said, when he made the statement, “ALL things are lawful for me?” Again, you would hear a resounding, “YES!” Then that “YES” would quickly be followed by the word “BUT,” meaning to qualify their “YES” answers.

To be fair, it’s not hard to understand why some can’t say “yes” to the Grace question, without a “BUT” follow-up. Most people think they must “DO something” to EARN God’s favor. But, when one finally understands that the difference between being under “The Law” of God, OR under the “Grace” of God, is a right DECISION! Only then, is someone NOT compelled to qualify their answer concerning Paul’s statement, with “Yes, BUT”.

Even Paul placed a “but” in his own statement, “ALL things are lawful for me, BUT, all things are not expedient.” In other words, all things are not profitable, or produce positive outcomes, if he does acts contrary to God’s law. However, Paul had a good reason for placing a quick “but” after making his profound history-changing statement—a declaration that would shock both Jews and Gentiles. Some even considered Paul’s statement, blasphemous.

No Buts Needed for Grown-ups

Mature believers in Jesus the Christ, should be able to say, “ALL things are lawful for me,” and just stop, and not add a “but.” Sadly, although many believers have attended a church building for years, they tend not to read, much less study their Bible. Therefore, they rely on others to teach and tell them what the Bible says, although the Bible plainly instructs believers to “STUDY to show yourself approved.”

2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to show thyself approved unto God, a worker that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

You see, Paul was speaking to a very young Church with many new believers back then. For this reason, Paul qualified his statement with a “BUT.” Paul referred to this group of believers as “baby” Christians; not ready to consume meat, but only milk. Therefore, Paul the apostle moved quickly to the “BUT” part of his statement in speaking to “baby” Christians.

In other letters, Paul wrote to the young Church, having to reprimand them, telling them to GROW UP and become more mature; solid in their faith. That only comes through study of God’s word.

A Shocking Final Declaration | Maybe Milk is Better!

Other scriptures can be SHOCKING, when first reading them. Consider this statement written by Paul—

Romans 4:4-5. “Now to him who works, the wages are NOT counted as grace, but as debt.”

Think about that—to him who does WORKS, thinking to keep God’s Laws and commandments, this type of WORK is counted against the believer, as DEBT. These are the ones who strive to keep God’s Law, believing that, by their WORK, they are somehow PAYING for God’s gift of eternal life and passage into His Kingdom.

But, salvation is a not for sale—it’s a FREE gift, for those who humbly believe that Christ’s death on a Roman cross two thousand years ago, and his blood that was spilled, was a once and for all-time sacrifice for their sin. And receiving Him as their Savior! That’s the ticket!

Read it again, “Now to him who works, the wages are NOT counted as grace, but as debt.”

When first reading this statement, you wonder—“How can this be true? Surely, I must be reading this wrong. How can working to pay for something be considered DEBT, even debt that keeps mounting up. What? The more and harder someone works to pay a debt; the more debt they acquire?”

Paul adds a “BUT” in his next statement, and this “But” makes the statement even more puzzling. “But to him who DOES NOT WORK, but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”

In other words, to those, even “un-churched” people who don’t work at keeping God’s Law and commandments, but who truly just BELIEVE—that BELIEVING is accounted for total payment; righteousness. Moreover, they are justified and excepted by God, simply because they believe he paid for their sin.

Hard to Believe or Comprehend | Meat or Milk

Paul’s statements, mentioned above, are a real predicament for a Pharisees-type believer, like those who were part of the Jerusalem council.

However, those Pharisee Believers, after receiving the witness of Peter, Paul, James, Barnabas and other disciples—especially confirmed by the Holy Spirit—saw their error and changed their mind.

Consequently, they agreed 100% on the letter’s content and the doctrine of GRACE only.

It’s a decision, a choice—to live under the Law or to live under Grace. Simple!

Paul writes in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

In other words, Paul is saying to believers—make a declaration of independence from The Law, whereby, you choose the liberty of NOT living under the Law, and staying away from those who want to take away that liberty.

Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, died on a Roman cross to pay for your freedom and mine.

God gives us our choice, we can eat the “meat” (the solid food of His pure truth) and throw away the “bones” (bondage to mere religion and traditions)—or we can continue to drink “milk” like baby Christians and miss God’s real plan for our lives.

The choice is left to each one of us! What will you choose?

Is There a Motive Behind Teaching WORKS over GRACE?

WORKS

Why would someone choose WORKS? Deciding to live under the Law, means you must live a perfectly sinless life, no mess-ups. Ultimately, you must stand before God on the flimsy evidence of your own efforts, not having trusted the One who laid down His life to pay for your sins on your behalf!

You see, over the centuries many churches have used the Law as a method to control the people. For this reason, most religions promote the doctrine of Works. In fact, the leaders of various religious groups work to control the message, by interpreting doctrine for their followers. Thereby, they limit their freedom. They teach their converts, that only the leaders can explain the message, because leaders have special insights. On the other hand, the Christian Bible clearly instructs ALL people to study the message for themselves that they might not be controlled coercively or led in error. Freedom!

Sadly, even many Christian organizations use WORKS to control their members, using guilt to pressure them to keep performing, like giving excessive donations, working on the church’s facility or other projects, etc. Some church leaders figure, if they allow too much freedom to the people, their sheep will run wild, go out sinning—no telling what they might do.

GRACE

Many have trouble comprehending why God would give mankind the kind of freedom Paul the apostle described, when he said, “ALL things are lawful.” Why would God allow anyone that much rope? Wouldn’t people abuse God’s grace and start running wild? In other words, by simply BELIEVING, and therefore being justified, and accepted into His Kingdom, wouldn’t people sin like a drunken sailor? How can people do that and still be accepted into God’s house?

How is that possible?

That very question was asked by the apostles, when traveling with Jesus before his death. [Matthew 19:16-22]

Jesus told the rich young ruler that, in order to be perfect, he should sell all his possessions and give them to the poor. Thereby, the young man was very disappointed and left the scene. You see, this young ruler was a very good person; in fact, he had kept all of the Laws of Moses from his childhood without making mistakes. But, then Jesus spoiled the young man’s world-view by telling him that, in order to be perfect, he must now DO more good works. Shocking! That doesn’t seem fair.

The apostles were devastated, having over-heard what Jesus told the rich young ruler. They asked Jesus—if that’s the STANDARD, how could anyone be saved and accepted by God?

Jesus looked at them and said… “With men this is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible.”

The rich young ruler thought by keeping the Law of Moses, he was perfect. But, as Jesus said, the young man was NOT perfect—ONLY God is perfect.

Truth is, it is impossible for man to be perfect, unless man allows God to give him perfection. God’s sacrifice of His son Jesus makes one perfect. In fact, the Holy Spirit of God will enter into a believer’s very being, setting up shop to begin the real work of leading us to perfection. That’s amazing! We are perfect before becoming perfect! That’s GRACE in a nutshell!

To be clear, God doesn’t set a high bar of righteous for us—He sets an INFINITE bar—PERFECTION. Only God can do that. For this reason, He must lead us to, and give us that perfection. What a gift! A FREE gift, to the one who humbly believes!

God is not looking for robots, he’s looking for relationships. In order to have a good relationship with anyone, both parties must have freedom to choose one another.

God wants you to choose him; however, he will not force you to do that.

On Christ’s Return

When Jesus returns to claim His people, the “Church,” those who have NOT believed will be quarantined. They will not ever see what He has built for His people; nor will they ever see anything, as there will be no light. God is light!

In conclusion, God through Jesus the Christ gives us freedom from the Law, so we will grow strong in our faith as we get to know Him more. Step-by-step, we learn what is good, and choose what is good, as the Holy Spirit guides us. We put away milk and consume more MEAT—the deeper things of God—wisdom and knowledge.

With no fear of eternal judgment, we are able to freely choose what’s right for us; for our families and our neighbors.

Whom God loves He will instruct and correct, so we can grow up and take our place with Him.

NO BUT’s!

 

[For further help in showing yourself approved by His great GRACE, you may want to study Romans chapters 5 through 8; also Galatians 2]