Several things of note in the story about the so-called Council of Jerusalem: First, they were seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in coming to an important decision. Second, they could only arrive at the decision “after much debate had taken place.” To genuinely hear the Holy Spirit required entering into debate, dialogue, conversation, listening. Each individual had to trust the presence of the Holy Spirit in the other. Third, the decision needed the affirmation of the leadership, the structure of the Church. St. Luke insisted that it was Sts. Peter and James (“the acknowledged pillars”) who drove the decision. We also live in a time when we need to make important decisions so let us trust the ancient process described in the Acts.
MAY232019
By Church Staff
