Apostolical Council
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Apostolical Council in the Bible?
The Apostolic Council was a meeting of apostles and elders in Jerusalem circa 49 CE, convened to resolve tensions between Jewish Christians and Gentile converts regarding adherence to Mosaic Law.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this event clarifies the historical context of Acts 15 and the Apostolic Decree, revealing how early church leaders negotiated the boundaries of faith and practice to facilitate the spread of Christianity among non-Jewish populations.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Apostolical Council. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Apostolical Council in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Apostolical Council clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Apostolical Council." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/apostolical-council/