The Relationship of Jewish and Gentile Believers to the Law Between A.D. 30 and 70 in the Scripture

105 precipitated the event (15: 1) demanded that Gentiles keep the Law (i.e., become Jewish) for salvation. The statements made later in Jerusalem, seem to apply to their continuing obligation to the Law after salvation. 139 While these may not be identical and are handled separately in the speeches of Peter and James, Luke and the council consider them as one basic issue (" this matter," 15: 6) because of the common denominator in both charges of the Gentiles' relation– ship to circumcision and the Law. Thus, the question which gives rise to the council may be formulated, "What is the necessary relationship of Gentiles to the Law of Moses?" The Discussion 15:6-18 In the discussion of the council two men, Peter and James figure prominently . Paul is only briefly mentioned, and not allowed to "speak" in the record (15: 12). The speeches of Peter (15:7-11) and James (15: 13--18) are the focal points of the discussion. It is the thesis of this section that these two speeches answer the two aspects of the Gentiles ' relationship to the Law already mentioned , namely, salvation and continuing obligation to the Law .140 The Place of the Law in Gentile Salvation 15:7-11 Peter begins his argumentation by referring to the salvation experience of ornelius (15 :7-9) . He recall s the basis of their alvation a ' hearing and believing" (15 :7) 139 he tatement in 15:5 (" It i nece ar to ir um i them" ) r t r in th nt t t entile wh ar prev1ou ly d rib d a ' brethr n" (1 :1) nd ' n rt d " (1 : ) . t rm , entil La , "