Study #3 on "Every Collective Needs a Direction"

Paulus gives the young Christian movement a new direction. Together with his companions, he carries the faith forward. He also opens it up to non-Jews. This leads to discussions with the early church. Nadine Fecht encourages us to ask: How does a collective find its way? How does community work?

Representatives of the early Jerusalem community—including James (the brother of the Lord), Peter, and John—grapple alongside Paul and Barnabas with the future of the emerging community. To put it succinctly, the debate at the so-called Council of Jerusalem (c. 48 AD) centers on the question: "Who may participate?"

The result is a compromise: non-Jews are not required to adopt the entire body of Jewish law. Circumcision and Jewish dietary regulations are not mandatory for them. In this regard, Paul largely prevails. The community opens itself up beyond its Jewish roots to people of all nations.

This study highlights the tension between individual action and communal decision-making. In which direction are we moving today—as a church and as a society?