An assertion of the government of the Church of Scotland in the points of…

CHAP. VIII. The fourth Argument, taken from Acts 15.

THE example of the Apostolical Churches, Acts 15. maketh for us. The Churches of Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, being troubled with the question ⟨p. 179⟩about the Jewish Ceremonies, the matter was debated and disputed at Antioch, the chief town of Coelosyria, where Paul and Barnabas were for the time. It is very probable, that some out of the other Churches in that Province, as also out of the Churches of Cilicia, were present in that meeting and conference, for they were troubled with the very same question, no less then the Church of Antioch. Howsoever the matter could not be agreed upon in that meeting, but a reference thereof, was made to a more general assembly at Jerusalem, and for that effect Paul and Barnabas, and others with them, were sent thither. All this is clear by comparing verse 2. with 23. Hereupon the Apostles and Elders did synodically come together at Jerusalem, and decided the question, giving forth decrees to be observed by the particular Churches, Acts 15.6.28. and 16.4. We will not dispute what sort of Synod this was, only that it was a Synod with authority over many particular Churches and Congregations, and whereunto the meeting at Antioch (whether it was provincial, or Presbyterial only) did refer the determination of the question about Jewish ceremonies.

THE example of the Apostolicall Churches, Acts 15. maketh for us. The Churches of Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, being troubled with the question ⟨p. 179⟩