Book of Acts - Chapter 16 - Verse 4

After the council held in Jerusalem to address the issue of whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish customs, the apostles and elders decreed that Gentile believers were not required to adhere to these customs. The verse illustrates the importance of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem in establishing and disseminating these decrees to the churches in various cities. The apostles, as the primary leaders of the early Christian church, played a crucial role in guiding the beliefs and practices of the early believers. By delivering the decrees to the churches, they ensured that all believers were united in their understanding of the faith and in their adherence to the teachings of the apostles. This verse emphasizes the authority of the apostles and elders in establishing and maintaining the doctrine of the early Christian church, demonstrating the importance of unity and consistency in beliefs among believers across different regions.

In this verse from the book of Acts, the word "decrees" is significant from a theological perspective. The decrees mentioned here refer to the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem regarding the requirements for Gentile believers to follow. These decrees were considered essential for the unity of the early Church and helped establish guidelines for the growing community of followers of Jesus Christ. The word "ordained" indicates that these decrees were not arbitrary rules but were deliberately established by the religious authorities in Jerusalem. By delivering these decrees to the various cities they visited, the early Christians ensured that all believers were united in their beliefs and practices. This verse reflects the importance of unity and obedience within the Church, as well as the leadership role of the apostles and elders in establishing and maintaining the faith of the early Christian community.