LifeIn
Well-known member
Those at the Council of Jerusalem did not sign the letter, but the purpose of signing is to give one's assent to the contents of the document. Those who spoke at the Council of Jerusalem were also giving their assent to the letter. That is the analogy. Signing the Declaration of Independence is analogous to making a speech at the Council of Jerusalem. And just as being the last one to sign the Declaration carried no special significance in that document, so also speaking last at the council carries no special significance in the Council of Jerusalem. Somebody had to go last, or else the speeches would have gone on forever. But at some point they all came to the realization that they were all in agreement and there was no need for more speeches. And so they stopped. This happens even when all attendees are of equal standing, as they were at that council.I know that, but it was a poor one, since no one even signed the letter the apostles would take to the Gentile churches.
Now I realize that this all started to refute the position that Peter was that person at the council who held a special position. But it is unnecessary to refute that point because I agree that Peter wasn't making the final decision at that council. If that is your point, then consider it won and move on, OK? I see no reason for you to want to promote James in importance.
No. He was just the last one whose speech was recorded. It means nothing beyond that.Oh, for pity's sake! Of COURSE the HS guided James into making his decision! That should be patently obvious. But James still made the final judgment--didn't he?
It means the people who had been speaking just before James finally stopped talking, and it was James' turn. Luke does not tell us if anyone spoke after James. To assume that no one else spoke is to assume something that is NOT stated in Acts.MY sola Scriptura thinking is spot on. There MAY have been more testimony, but Luke does not tell us there was. In fact, just the opposite.
Vs 13--"When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me...."
What does "finished" mean?
YOU are speculation when you assume that nothing more was said.YOU are merely speculating. I am going by what is actually written in this passage, under inspiration of the HS.
"The Church's One Foundation". Yes. A beautiful hymn. We do sing it in our church, and we take it to heart too.Do you sing this hymn in your church?