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Controversy Over Membership
Do you know of some groups or clubs that restrict who can be members?
Why might these groups restrict membership?
Who was joining the Christian Faith?
The Apostles led by Peter focused on converting
non-believing JewsPaul and his followers
focused on converting gentiles (non-Jews)
What might be some issues that you could see popping up?
Problems with Jewish Law
law forbid Jews “to associate with or visit [Gentiles]” (Acts 10:28)
Problem as early Christianity was closely tied to Jewish law and custom
Many didn’t believe gentiles should be welcomed in because they did not follow Jewish custom – they were
uncleanDespite this some of the Apostles, including
Peter, baptized gentiles
Cornelius – 1st Gentile Convert
Was a Roman centurion in Caesarea
Had vision telling him to send for Simon Peter
Peter also had a vision (Acts 10:11-16)
To Peter the vision meant he must open the Church to gentiles (Acts 10:34-36, 43-47)
Peter baptized Cornelius and those gentiles with him
The power of the Holy Spirit descended on the gentiles – amazing the Jewish Christians
Jewish Anger at Gentile Conversion
Anger greeted Peter on his return to Jerusalem How could Peter break Jewish law by visiting and eating
with gentiles? How could he admit them to the group?Even if Gentiles accepted the One God, they
were not the Chosen People – they were uncleanPeter defended his decision - told the story of
what had happenedReminded them
Jesus had eaten with sinners, tax-collectors, and Samaritans
Gentile Acceptance
Peter’s explanation calmed them for a while
Agreed to gentile membership God has accepted
them, so should we.Did not end the
conflict entirely
Antioch – First Jewish-Gentile Christian Community
Both groups had lived together for a long time
When Christ’s message was spread, converts were from both groups
United by faith in Jesus
The disciples were first called “Christians” here
News of this mixed congregation re-opened the earlier controversy
Proof of Christian Solidarity
Persecution of Jews in Jerusalem increased
Apostle James was beheaded
Christians in Antioch provided material and spiritual support took up a collection for
the Jerusalem Christians
Hello Controversy, My Old Friend
Issue over what was expected of the gentiles
Would Gentiles have to become Jews to become Christians?
Do you have to be a Jew to be a Christian?Would they have to follow Jewish Law
(Mosaic Law)?
Jewish Christian Perspective
Jesus followed Jewish Law
Christians, even gentiles, should follow Jewish Laws
All of the law not just certain parts
Jewish Dietary Laws
Gentile converts ate food prohibited by Jewish Law
Pork and shellfish being most common
Problem when these communities shared meals
Eating with gentiles also prohibited
Peter had been scolded for eating with gentiles
Law about Circumcision
Jerusalem Christians insisted all male gentile converts be circumcised
Christians in Antioch were understandably concerned
Gentile Christian response: Yeah, right. You guys are nuts!
Paul’s Perspective
Belief and faith in Jesus Christ is what was important
Belief implied freedom from Jewish tradition
Freedom from Jewish Law
No need to follow Jewish dietary laws or be circumcised
Ecumenical Council
Taken from the Greek word “oikoumen”Ecumenical means “the inhabited world”Council called by church dignitaries and
theological expertsUsed to discuss Church doctrine and practiceDecisions are meant to be followed by all
Christians
Council of Jerusalem, 50 A.D.
1st ecumenical/church council
Called to deal with the Jewish/Gentile issue
Made up of Apostles and church leaders
Paul and Barnabas spoke of the enthusiasm and faith of the gentiles the Holy Spirit had
made this possibleHeated debate b/w the
two sides
Peter Addresses the Council
7 'My brothers,' he said, 'you know perfectly well that in the early days God made his choice among you: the gentiles were to learn the good news from me and so become believers.8 And God, who can read everyone's heart, showed his approval of them by giving the Holy Spirit to them just as he had to us.9 God made no distinction between them and us, since he purified their hearts by faith.10 Why do you put God to the test now by imposing on the disciples the very burden that neither our ancestors nor we ourselves were strong enough to support?11 But we believe that we are saved in the same way as they are: through the grace of the Lord Jesus.‘ (Acts 15:7-11)
Peter’s Decision
As head of the Church, Peter, supported by James (leader of Church in Jerusalem) ruled that:28 It has been decided by the Holy Spirit and by ourselves not to impose on you any burden beyond these essentials:29 you are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from illicit marriages. Avoid these, and you will do what is right. Farewell.‘ (Acts 15:28-19)
Jewish dietary laws and circumcision did not have to be followed
New Membership Requirements
What is required for membership?Belief in Jesus Christ is what matters, not the
following of Jewish law
Significance of the Decisions
What is the significance of the decision to allow gentile membership and the council decision?
Says the Church as meant for everyoneCatholic comes from the Greek word for
“universal” decision gave the church it’s universality – no one is left
outEnables the Church to spread though the worldGentile members soon outnumbered Jewish
membersBegins the development of a non-Jewish identity
28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither slave nor freeman, there can be neither male nor female -- for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
Homework
Why is The Council of Jerusalem significant to church history? Ie: Why is this development important?
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