Final answer:
The Council of Jerusalem addressed whether Gentile Christians had to follow Jewish law, resulting in the decision that they did not, with key decisions made by the Apostles, particularly Peter and James the Just.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main topic of discussion at the Council of Jerusalem was whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to follow Jewish law, particularly circumcision and dietary restrictions.
The decision reached was that Gentiles did not need to become Jews and follow all Jewish laws to be Christians; they were asked only to abstain from foods sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.
This decision reflected a pivotal moment in early Christianity where it was affirmed that Gentile converts had a place in the Christian community without fully adhering to Jewish customs. The decision was ultimately agreed upon by the Apostles and elders at the Council, with significant contributions from Peter and James the Just, who is often credited with delivering the final judgment on the matter. These events are detailed in the Christian Bible's Acts of the Apostles.
The final decision was made by the Apostles and Elders, with James, the brother of Jesus, presiding over the council.