Bible Dictionary
APOSTOLICAL COUNCIL
The Apostolical Council was the meeting of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem described in Acts 15. It addressed the question of whether Gentile believers had to submit to the Jewish law, affirming that they were not to bear that burden.
Definition
The Apostolical Council was the assembly of apostles and elders held at Jerusalem to address matters affecting the churches. Its recorded meeting concerned the relationship of Gentile believers to the Jewish law.
Biblical Usage
Acts 15 records the council’s consideration of whether Gentile believers should bear the burden of the Jewish law. The meeting is presented as an apostolic and elder assembly at Jerusalem.
Historical Background
The council is dated in the supplied material to approximately 49 AD and was held in Jerusalem.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ap-os-tol'-i-kal koun'-sil: The assembly of the apostles and elders held in Jerusalem (49 AD), an account of which is given in Ac 15.</p>