Final Answer:
The Council of Jerusalem decided that people did not have to be circumcised to become Christians.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Council of Jerusalem, held in approximately 50 AD, was a significant event in early Christian history. The central issue addressed during the council was whether non-Jewish (Gentile) converts to Christianity needed to adhere to Jewish customs, including circumcision. The decision reached during this council, as documented in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 15:1-29), was that Gentile believers did not need to undergo circumcision to become Christians.
The debate stemmed from the cultural and religious practices of the time, with some arguing for the inclusion of Jewish traditions in the Christian faith. However, the council, led by prominent figures like the Apostle Peter and James, the brother of Jesus, concluded that faith in Christ was the key requirement for salvation, and adherence to Jewish rituals, such as circumcision, was not necessary for Gentile believers. This decision played a crucial role in shaping the inclusivity of early Christianity and its acceptance among diverse cultural groups.
In summary, the Council of Jerusalem was a pivotal moment in early Christian theology, affirming that circumcision was not a prerequisite for embracing the Christian faith, emphasizing the universal nature of Christianity beyond specific cultural or religious practices.