Acts 15 - The Council at Jerusalem

Paper Summary:

The decision taken by the Council at Jerusalem was one of the most significant decisions by the early church, thus resulting in the emergence of current Christian doctrine and beliefs. The early church was facing a serious crisis: Could Gentile believers be accepted by God without being circumcised and following the Law of Moses? The paper examines the Council at Jerusalem in its religious and historical aspects, including a review of biblical scriptures that where influential in the council's deliberations and discusses factors contributing to the council's decisions and their impact on the development of Christianity.

Outline:
Introduction
An Historical Perspective
The Use of the Old Testament in Acts 15:16-18
The Result of James's Use of Amos 9:11-12
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"Approximately 4000 years ago, however, God introduced a new phase into his redemptive plan for humanity. In Genesis 12, God called Abram (later Abraham), to leave his homeland, his father's family, and to go the place that God would show him. Abraham obeyed God, taking his household, and traveling to the place that God showed him, where the Abrahamic Covenant was initiated (Genesis 12). Today, therefore, millions of individuals claim Abraham as their spiritual father. He is seen as an important figure within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, who have all based part of their religion on the Abrahamic Covenant and its promises. This is because when God initiated the covenant, he never stated that only Abraham's direct descendents would be blessed. Instead, God established the covenant as the first step of a far larger plan, which would include all nations. This would lead to the all-encompassing covenant of Jesus the Christ, and thus enable the salvation of all those who held on to the covenant promises (Gen. 12:1-3; Abr. 2:8-11; John 8:33, 37, 39; Rom. 9:6-8; Gal. 3:7-9, 26-29)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Glenny, Edward W. "Hebrew Misreadings or Free Translation in the Septuagint of Amos?" In Vetus Testamentum, 2007, vol. 57, no4, pp. 524-547. ISSN 0042-4935.
• Glenny, Edward W. "Gentiles and the People of God: A Study of Apostolic Hermeneutics and Theology in Acts 15." (2006). Available online. Retrieved 03/25/2009 from:< http://ntresources.com/documents/Amos9inActs15b.pdf>
• Jeremias, Joachim. "The Sermon on the Mount." Published by The University of London, The Athlone Press (1961). Available online. Information retrieved 03/24/2009 from:< http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/sermon_jeremias.pdf>
• Leman, Derek (2007). Online article: "Messianic Jewish Musings." Retrieved 03/24/2009 from:< http://derek4messiah.wordpress.com/2007/08/17/some-notes-on-acts-15-pt-2/>
• Pimentel, Stephen (2000). Online article: "The Council of Jerusalem: Witnesses of the Messiah." Retrieved 03/24/2009 from:< https://www.cuf.org/Laywitness/Online_view.asp?lwID=1402>

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