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 15:1-2).

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 to accompany two of the leaders from Jerusalem: Judas from a Jewish background and Silas, a converted Gentile. They started by saying that the activists were not authorised by the apostles, who recognised the concern and 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 to have leaders meet together to decide how to advance the gospel and nurture the church – but it is foolish to be guided by contemporary wisdom or sentiment, instead of by God's enduring Word. 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.