There were two main issues that threw the apostolic church into its first internal crisis: legislation and authority.

When preaching to non-Jews, Paul and Barnabas had been preaching that it was not necessary to become Jews in order to become Christians. Not all Christians agreed, however: The questions were simple. Did Paul and Barnabas know the legislation correctly? Did they have any authority to preach it? After all, neither of them was one of the Twelve, and Paul had persecuted Christians before becoming one.

The apostles and elders met in Jerusalem to consider the questions. It was the first time that leaders of the church gathered together to resolve an important issue. Today some people call this “the Council of Jerusalem.”

The gathering reached these conclusions: Yes, one could become a Christian without first becoming a Jew. And yes, Paul and Barnabas had the authority to speak for the church. But, just in case the believers in Antioch didn’t believe this to be the decision of those gathered in Jerusalem, the Jerusalem church sent along a couple extra representatives to reassure them.

Issues of legislation and authority continue to vex the church. Sometimes people wonder if pastors and bishops have the authority to make rules. Sometimes they question if the rules are in keeping with the spirit of the church. Such questions are as old as the church. They can usually be resolved in charity and with reassurance.

Written by Paul Turner. Liturgy Training Publications
Copyright 2003, Archdiocese of Chicago