Subject: Christian Religious Studies
Class: JSS 3
Week of the Term: 8th Week
Topic: Paul’s Missionary Journey
Sub-Topic: The Church Council at Jerusalem
Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe the events of the Church Council at Jerusalem.
- Identify key issues discussed during the council.
- Analyze the decisions made and their impact on the early church.
Entry Behaviour
Students should understand the structure of the early Christian church and the concept of church governance.
Instructional Materials
- Textbook: “Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary Schools 3”
- Visual aids: Flowchart of decisions made at the council
- Handouts: Summary of the council’s discussions and outcomes
Reference Materials
- Ekwukoma, V., McOliver, O.J.E., & Ogunniyi, D. (2015). Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary Schools 3. Spectrum Books Limited, Ibadan.
- Olugasa, J.O., Davies, S.H., Ochulo, A.U., & Danfulani, U.H. (2014). Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary Schools 3. University Press Plc, Ibadan.
Content
Introduction to the Church Council at Jerusalem
In this lesson, we will learn about the significant event known as the Church Council at Jerusalem, which took place around AD 49. This council was a critical moment in the early Christian church, as it addressed important issues regarding the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) into the faith and the requirements for salvation. Understanding the decisions made during this council helps us appreciate how the early church navigated challenges and disagreements as it grew.
Background of the Council
Context of the Council:
As the early Christian church expanded beyond Jewish communities into Gentile territories, questions arose about whether Gentile converts should follow Jewish laws and customs, particularly regarding circumcision and dietary restrictions. Some Jewish Christians believed that all followers of Jesus, regardless of their background, should adhere to the laws of Moses.
Key Figures Involved:
The council brought together apostles and leaders from various churches, including:
- Apostle Peter: A leading figure in the early church who had firsthand experience of the Gentile conversion.
- Apostle Paul and Barnabas: They represented the growing number of Gentile believers and shared their experiences from their missionary journeys.
The Issues Discussed
1. Salvation Through Grace:
The central question was whether salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone or through a combination of faith and adherence to the Jewish law. Paul and Barnabas emphasized their experiences with Gentile believers, pointing out that these individuals received the Holy Spirit and were saved by faith without needing to follow Jewish law.
2. Circumcision and the Law of Moses:
Some members of the council argued that Gentiles should be required to be circumcised and follow the laws of Moses to be fully accepted into the community of faith. This was a point of contention that needed resolution.
The Council’s Decision
Final Conclusions:
After much discussion and debate, the council reached a significant decision. They concluded that:
- Gentiles are Not Required to be Circumcised: The council determined that imposing the entire law of Moses on Gentile believers was unnecessary and burdensome.
- Guidelines for Gentile Believers: While Gentiles were not required to follow Jewish law, they were asked to observe a few basic guidelines to maintain harmony within the community. These included abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, from consuming blood, and from engaging in sexual immorality.
Letter to the Churches:
The council wrote a letter outlining their decision and sent it with Paul and Barnabas to the churches in Antioch, confirming the inclusion of Gentiles and providing the agreed-upon guidelines. This letter was a vital step in promoting unity within the church.
Impact of the Council
1. Promoting Unity:
The decision made at the Jerusalem Council helped bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers. It affirmed that faith in Jesus Christ was sufficient for salvation, regardless of cultural background.
2. Encouraging Growth:
With clear guidelines and a united front, the early church could grow without the divisions that might have arisen from differing opinions about the law. This paved the way for more Gentiles to join the faith.
3. Lasting Legacy:
The Jerusalem Council set a precedent for resolving conflicts and differences within the church. It emphasized the importance of coming together to discuss challenges and seek guidance from God in decision-making.
The Church Council at Jerusalem was a landmark event that demonstrated the early church’s commitment to unity, grace, and inclusivity. It reminds us that, while differences may arise in our beliefs and practices, coming together to seek understanding and common ground is essential for the health and growth of any community, including our faith communities today.
Step 1: Introduction
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)
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