The first council of the church
Historically, church councils do not create or expound any new revelation. The revelations come to individuals, and those individuals were the founding apostles. The church is built on this revelation, as witnessed by the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem mentioned in Revelation by the names printed on them. They are strong rocks and have stood the test of time. Wise is the man who builds where God has laid the foundation.
Church councils are called to define the revelations and announce those definitions to the church. Do not create anything new, but filter the accumulated problems and arrive at what God already told an apostle. What cannot be attributed to an apostle must be discarded in a true council.
Unfortunately, “church” and “council” have been redefined over the years. Subsequent councils have been given undue authority. Often new ideas became dogmas. Things that could not trace their origin back to the apostolic writings were elevated above the Word. It can happen today. Councils are not always inspired by God, even the most well-intentioned ones.
What about that first council in Jerusalem? He was called because the Judaizers were trying to bring new believers under the Law…even Gentiles!
First, the false brothers presented their case. They didn’t belong here, but they had found a way in. They confront Paul openly. But Pablo did not get discouraged. He openly fought against these deceivers and skillfully defended himself and the gospel in this open forum (Galatians 2:5).
He was then endorsed by high-ranking apostles Peter and Peter’s assistant in Jerusalem, James, the Lord’s half-brother.
But Paul is not impressed with the persons of men, not even with his own friends in the Gospel (Galatians 2:6). He shows no disdain for his fellow apostles, but he doesn’t admire them either. He is an equal, made so personally by Jesus Christ.
Martin Luther says: “I would honor the Pope, I would love his person, if he left my conscience alone and did not force me to sin against God. But the Pope wants to be adored himself, and that cannot be done without offending God.”
Even the favorable conclusions of the Council added nothing to Paul! His truth was not put to a vote, though the vote was decidedly in his favor.
There would be conferences to come in the history of the church or pseudo-church, where the truth would be mutilated and twisted by men, but it would continue without ceasing.
As we said, the councils serve to confirm already revealed truths, but never to create new truths.