Acts 15:1Acts 15:28-29Leviticus 17-18Leviticus 17:8

In Galatians 2:1 Paul described the work of the council from his perspective, though some Bible students have long tried to distinguish between the events of Acts 15:1 and Galatians 2:1 . Paul used the council experience to show that his gospel without circumcision was accepted by the leaders in Jerusalem to the point Titus could be with him in Jerusalem and not be circumcised.

The two accounts apparently show that Paul and Barnabas, accompanied by Titus, represented the church in Antioch in seeking clarity from the leaders in Jerusalem on how to incorporate Gentile converts into the church. The council accepted Paul's practice of demanding only faith in Christ rather than obedience to Jewish law. The council did ask that those laws specifically directed to those outside the house of Israel be continued.

The council showed the working of the early church with strong leadership yet involving the voice of the congregation (Acts 15:12 ,Acts 15:12,15:22 ), the messengers sent from Jerusalem to Antioch not being part of the twelve apostles.