A Year in Luke/ActsSample

Notice how Peter, a leader among the apostles, is the first to speak, followed by the testimony of Paul and Barnabus who were the feet-on-the-ground workers, and finally, James speaks to bring in Scripture and a resolution.

We are told that “the whole assembly kept silence and listened” as Paul and Barnabus shared (v12). There is a posture of humility that is demonstrated in the decision making that we have not seen from other Councils in Jerusalem. Decision making is inevitable in social groups of any kind and it does not take very long before the grassroots Jesus movement goes from standing before Councils (which they will continue to do), to also needing to make decisions of their own. If they demonstrate the same arrogant stubbornness as the Councils they have experienced, it would not be a very good sign. Thankfully, the difference in the decision making process is striking. There is a balance of flexibility to the Spirit and an honor for tradition and Scripture.