In one way, the Council meeting in Jerusalem should not have happened.  Misguided Christian activists had travelled from Jerusalem to Antioch. They contradicted Paul's teaching - that the Gentiles could be full followers of Jesus without having to become Jews as well. Their false teaching could have derailed future gospel ministry, as well as unsettling the new believers in Antioch.  Although Paul and Barnabas contended with the activists over the truth of the gospel, they would not accept it.  So, the church sent Paul and Barnabas, with some of their own people, to Jerusalem for the apostles and church there to affirm what is true (Acts 15:1-4).

A Council was formed, the evidence was heard, and Peter confirmed how the Holy Spirit had reshaped his own thinking about Gentile conversion (Acts 15:7-11).  James, the half-brother of the Lord Jesus (Galatians 1:19), summarised the council's thinking – that Gentiles could become Christians without having to become Jews (Acts 15:27-28).  However, everybody should keep away from the contentious issues, for both Jews and Gentiles, regarding food (Acts 15:29).

So, they wrote a letter, explaining their decision.  When Paul and Barnabas went back to Antioch, they were accompanied by two of the leaders from Jerusalem, carrying the decision: Judas from a Jewish background and Silas, a converted Gentile.  The letter stated that the activists who came from Jerusalem and caused the problem had not been authorised by the apostles, who were concerned about the distress which had been caused.  Even though the whole episode was a non-event (in that the apostles confirmed there was no problem), it was an important opportunity to clear up this issue.  Otherwise, it would have continued to trouble the church and divert attention from the gospel.  That letter, and many others in the New Testament, are still God's authoritative instruction to churches worldwide.

God sometimes allows a problem to arise in the church, in order to deal with it.  It is important not to let issues fester which disturb the fellowship and gospel outreach.  Well handled, by biblically faithful leaders, the gospel is liberated once again (1 Timothy 4:1-5).  All leaders are responsible before God as to how they use the opportunity.  It may be necessary for leaders to meet together to prayerfully decide how to advance the gospel and nurture the church according to God’s Word.  They must not be foolishly guided by contemporary wisdom or sentiment.  Such churches lose their privilege of shining God's light in a dark world (Revelation 2:4-5).  So, pray that your leaders will be faithful to God's Word.