New Testament Patterns

This, I believe, is the first recorded New Testament Church council meeting which was held to oppose false doctrine and practices being introduced into the early church. It is a clear pattern to follow today just as the church did then. After their deliberations the church sent brethren of their own: Judas (Barsabas) and Silas along with Paul and Barnabas bearing a letter to the Gentles (Churches). This letter is recorded in Acts Chapter 15 verses 23-29. A careful study of that chapter will reveal that this meeting was Church authorized and not just a Preacher/Apostle meeting.

Letter

The Apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law; to whom we gave no such command:

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas who shall also tell you the same things by mouth,.

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well, Fare ye well.