Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/837

 Peter had  finished  speaking,  “ail  the  multitude  held  their  peace” (Acts 15,  12).

Then James,  bishop  of  Jerusalem,  spoke  to  the  same  effect. It was  then  decreed  by  the  whole  Council  of  Jerusalem  that  the Christians of  Antioch,  or  elsewhere,  were  no  longer  bound  to observe  the  law  of  Moses. This decree  commenced  with  these remarkable words:  “It  hath  seemed  good  to  the  Holy  Ghost  and to us  to  lay  no  further  burden  upon  you.”

General Councils. The  assembly  at  Jerusalem  was  the  first  General Council, and  has  been  the  pattern  of  all  succeeding  Councils. Let us, therefore, examine:  1. how this  Council  was  held;  2. what was  the subject or  matter  discussed  by  it;  3. what was  the  significance  of  the decision arrived  at  by  it.

1. How  was  the  Council  of  Jerusalem  held?

St. Peter presided  over  it  and  conducted  its  discussion?. His discourse was  listened  to  with  respect,  and  all  opposition  was  silenced by it. All present  took  part  in  the  discussion,  but  the  decision  was made by  the  apostles  and  bishops.

Thus has  it  been  at  every  General  Council. The successor  of St.  Peter,  the  Pope,  or  some  one  delegated  by  him  to  represent  him, has presided  over  it. During the  discussion,  learned  priests  take  their part as  well  as  bishops,  but  only  the  bishops,  as  successors  of  the apostles, have  the  right  of  voting  in  the  final  decision.