Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 61:2 (NA 2010)
Article: Drawing Ethical Principles From The Process Of The Jerusalem Council: A New Approach To Acts 15:4-29
Author: Hyung Dae Park

---

TynBull 61:2 (2010) p. 271

Drawing Ethical Principles From The Process Of The Jerusalem Council:
A New Approach To Acts 15:4-291

Hyung Dae Park

Summary

This study proposes that the main ethical points found in the decision of the Jerusalem council in Acts 15:4-29 should include the council members’ attitudes of trusting each other, respecting God and his Word, and answering with some conceded responses to the others, rather than just the four prohibitions. To argue this proposal, first of all, the situation of the council is described in terms of the historical background and the narrative flow. The three lists of the four restrictions in 15:20, 29 and 21:25 are then compared, and the characteristics of the decision of the council are examined. The council’s list differs from James’ and has the perspective of worship and covenant rather than of ritual.

1. Introduction

The four restrictions in Acts 15:20, 29 and 21:25 have been studied in terms of their source, background, nature, purpose, and ethics. Are these restrictions influenced by Leviticus 17-18, Noachide commandments, or rabbinic literature? How can we harmonise Acts 15, 21 and Galatians 2:1-21? Do the four items have a ritual or moral basis, or both? What purpose can we read in the council and its decision? What kinds of ethical points can be obtained from the council?

TynBull 61:2 (2010) p. 272

In spite of several debates about each subject, missionaries still use these prohibitions at their mission field, interpreting these as ‘for all future believers’.2 David and Cynthia Strong admit that ‘[o]ver the years, missiologists have repeatedly turned to this passage [Acts 15] as a model or paradigm for contextualization’.3 In addition, Acts 15 has received attention recently as a text to be applied to the modern church.4 So by reason of both interpretation and application, there may still be room for more research into the Jerusalem council and its decision. To set up a starting point, it will be helpful to quote Wiarda:

None of the authors reviewed here tries to draw methodological lessons from the ...

visitor : : uid: ()