The Apostolic Council of Jerusalem; Acts 15:1 – 21 and Galatians 2:1-10 – Part 8

Church History: Date: A.D. 49-50
The grand debate, or matter in controversy; namely, whether faith in Christ were not sufficient to justification, unless circumcision, and an observation of the ceremonial law, were joined with it? The persons managing this debate: the three great apostles, Peter, Paul, and James. The first that speaks in the council is Peter. Peter's argument was designed to prove that the believing Gentiles might be justified and saved without circumcision, and the observation of the ceremonial law. The argument runs like this: "The way of justification for all men, both Jew and Gentile, is one and the same: but Cornelius, a Gentile, with his whole family, by the blessing of God upon my ministry, was converted and justified, without being circumcised; therefore circumcision, and the observation of the ceremonial law, ought not to be imposed as necessary to justification and salvation." Peter strengthens his argument, by declaring that what was done to Cornelius and his family, was by the special command of God; that God gave testimony of his approbation of Cornelius, as the first-fruits of the Gentiles, by sending down the Holy Ghost upon him and his, as well as upon us and ours, by purifying their hearts by faith. That purification begins in the heart. The head may be purified from false principles, the hands from false practices, and yet the heart remain unpurified, and continue a sink of pollution and uncleanness; therefore we must purify our hearts, as well as cleanse our hands. Purification begins in the heart, but it must not end there. Faith is the instrumental cause of our purification. The blood of Christ cleanses from all sin meritoriously, the Spirit of Christ efficiently; but faith is the instrument in the hand of the Spirit, which apprehends and applies the merit of that blood for pardon and purification.