What happensPermalink
Paul and Barnabas go to Jerusalem for a council of Christian elders to debate whether Christians must first be Jews. Peter defends the mission to the Gentiles and rejects the requirement; James agrees with Peter and proposes a compromise. Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch with the decision, then later separate.
Why it mattersPermalink
The strong rejection of Peter and James, giants of the early church in Jerusalem, of making Gentiles become Jews suggests that those raising the question were somewhat on the fringe. But they took the challenge seriously, following the will of God rather than the law.
Key versePermalink
“For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements…”