Jun 4, 2010

The Effect of the Jerusalem Council


“The effect of the Apostolic Council is to universalize and make permanent the principle inherent in the conversion of Cornelius. Acts 15 finalizes the manner in which Gentiles are to enter and remain within the fellowship of believers. The question explicitly raised in the text is that of the requirements for salvation. However, the issue of the basic nature and identity of the believing community is also at stake. Ultimately the decision of the Council recognizes Gentiles as full heirs of salvation and members of the people of God, apart from the Mosaic law. This recognition defines the position of the believing community vis-à-vis the Law and Judaism."

Mark A. Seifrid, “Jesus and the Law in Acts,” Journal for the Study of the New Testament 30 (1987): 44.

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