The Acts of the Apostles, written forty or so years after the events, describes what has been called the Council of Jerusalem. The apostles and other leaders of the nascent church met to discuss how to create one church when both Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles) were becoming followers of Jesus. Was the Jewish movement another Jewish sect or something different? St. Paul, writing in close to real time, describes the meeting a bit differently. After fourteen years I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. I went up in accord with a revelation, and I presented to them the Gospel that I preach to the Gentiles. St. Paul was never shy about presenting his point of view and this was no exception — even confronting the acknowledged leader of the Jesus movement, St. Peter. During these days the Church is meeting again in synod to discuss the current evangelizing moment. From the beginning until today, the Church trusts that when we gather and listen to one another the Holy Spirit will show the right path.
