Meeting With the Jerusalem Elders - The Dilemma

Paul's arrival in Jerusalem marked the end of an era in his ministry and the beginning of the final phase of his life. From this point forward Paul's ministry would be more defensive than offensive. The balance of Luke's account finds Paul repeatedly put in the position of having to defend himself and his gospel against the charge of anti-Semitism and promoting a false "way" that calls for apostasy from Moses and the God of Israel. Paul's meeting with the Jerusalem elders provided the first such instance of that defense, but notably in relation to a charge being voiced within the Jewish-Christian community. This situation and its resolution have proven challenging and troublesome to many, but, as a complement to the Jerusalem Council and the issue it addressed, it is vitally important to Luke's overall purpose of affirming and explaining the truth that the salvation history - as unfolded in the Law, Prophets and Writings - has attained its decreed fulfillment in Jesus Christ.