The Church: Its Organization, Order and Discipline

The Jerusalem Council

Concerning this gathering and its deliberations we read in The Spirit of Prophecy 3:376, that it “was composed of the founders of the Jewish and Gentile churches. Elders from Jerusalem and Antioch were present; and the most influential churches were represented.... The entire body of Christians were not called to vote upon the question. The apostles and elders-men of influence and judgment-framed and issued the decree.” COOD 120.2

In the Testimonies we are counseled to carefully study the experiences of the past which led to the establishment of order among Seventh-day Adventists. In tracing these in the order of their occurrence, we now come to the fifth and sixth steps, which were conferences composed of duly elected delegates, and church organization. COOD 120.3