How did we get here?
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In our previous article, The Council of Jerusalem and food part I we discussed how it was Peter, not James, that was the head of the Council of Jerusalem. We focused on two core things, one, it was Peter himself that spoke, and, two, James seems to have been affirming what Peter said.
So, we know that the idea that James rendered the final verdict is reading something into the text that simply isn't there.
But the question remains, why Peter, and why food?
Yes, food matters.
And here's why.
“The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray. And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him “Rise, Peter; kill and eat”. But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean. And the voice came to him a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common”. This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once into heaven”. (Acts 10:9-15).
Okay, so, there is A LOT to unpack here. First of all, note that this happened three times. I can go in a variety of theological reasons here (like Peter's threefold rejection of Jesus in John 18:17, and John 18:25-27, and his threefold acceptance of him in John 21:15-19).
Remember when I said that Peter's authority has to do with food?
Note the “three times” thing. That vision was going to come in handy, soon. Peter knew exactly what his role was.
What was the whole thing that started this, do you remember?
“But some men came down from Judea, and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved”. (Acts 15:1).
But, keep this in mind, because I intentionally left it out, last time, and this IS something James said, “Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood”. (Acts 15:19-20). Reading that out of context, it DOES sound like James rendered the final decision. But, keep in mind, v. 12 discusses what Paul and Barnabas were talking about, and James didn't even talk until after they finished. But, Peter, got to ball rolling.
Now, why do I think this verifies his authority? Because it was Peter that had that vision.
It seems to me, that the council was, you know, a council. Those in authority were assembled, but, I believe that the overwhelming evidence supports Peter being the head of it.
Note, Peter's vision happened a few chapters earlier. The Bible isn't entirely chronological, but, it is my understanding the Acts largely is.
Peter was prepared for the Council of Jerusalem for the specific reason he was chosen to be the leader of it.
I doubt that Peter would have even made that decision had he not had that vision, and the Church might still be debating it to this day. If you focus solely on the circumcision aspect of it, I think you're missing the point.
So, it's not about who lead the council, it's about food.
And food shows us WHY it makes sense for Peter to be the head of the council.
*All verses from ESV Catholic Edition with Deuterocanonical Books, Copyright 2017 by Crossway.