And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, listen to me:
Acts 15:13
Peter spoke, and then Barnabas and Paul spoke at the first Church council in Jerusalem.
Then James spoke. He spoke the longest (v.13-21), and suggested the decision which the rest of those assembled agreed upon. Who was this James?
James was a half-brother to Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Galatians 1:19).* He was the writer of the letter of James that appears later in the New Testament. James and the rest of Jesus’ half-siblings were not believers in Christ until after He rose from the dead (John 7:5; 1 Corinthians 15:7; & Acts 1:14). Having grown up staunchly Jewish (there are at least ten references to the law in his letter), some theorize that his opinion would be the most acceptable to the legalistic Jews involved in the dispute.
What did James say?
Simon says (v.14): James reminds the council that Peter was in favor with including the Gentiles without distinction.
The Prophets say (v.15-18): James reminds the council of the writings of the prophets who foretold the Gentiles being included (Amos 9:11-12).
So I say (v.19-21): James, serving as the chairman of the council, suggests that the determination of the council be to welcome the Gentiles into full fellowship in the Church (v.19). James does not unilaterally pronounce an edict, but makes a suggestion, albeit with a measure of authority. It is not until v.22 that the decision was made by the apostles and elders on behalf of the Church.
Let us learn that when tough decisions must be made:
Those seeking the Lord look to primarily to Scripture, and secondarily to the wisdom of those God has set apart as leaders.
Final decisions are made by leaders conferring and deciding together, not by an edict from a single individual.
James also suggested that a few stipulations for the Gentiles be made. We will consider those next time.
*James and his brothers and sisters were half-siblings to Jesus because while Joseph and Mary were their biological parents, Jesus, being virgin born, had Mary as His mother, but God, not Joseph, as His biological Father.