The Jerusalem Council
No fixed feast day in the calendar
The first Church Council confirms faith in Jesus is the path to salvation for all nations.
The first council discerns salvation in grace
As the Gospel reached the Gentiles, a critical question arose in Antioch: must Gentile converts be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses to be saved? To resolve this, the apostles and elders gathered at the Jerusalem Council. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Peter and James affirmed that salvation comes through the grace of Jesus Christ, not through the observance of the old law. They wrote to the communities, declaring the historic decision: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these necessary things" (Acts 15:28). This serves as the model for apostolic collegiality in the Church.
Prayer
Discernment in the Spirit and the freedom of grace
- The Church discerns through collegiality. Leaders gather to pray and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit.
- Salvation comes by grace, not the old law. We are not bound by the old law but are set free by grace.
The Holy Spirit always guides the Church to make decisions that protect faith and unity.
Prayer
Lord, send the Holy Spirit so that we may always listen to the Church and live in Your grace.
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