Fourthly.  Here was the ordinary way and method of synodal proceedings by the apostles, elders, and brethren, when they were convened unanimously, ver. 25.  For,

1.  They proceeded deliberatively, by discourses and disputes, deliberating about the true state of the question, and the remedy of the scandal.  This is laid down, 1.  More generally, “and when there had been much disputing,” ver. 7. 2.  More particularly, how they proceeded when they drew towards a synodal determination, Peter speaks of the Gentiles’ conversion, and clears the doctrine of justification “by faith without the works of the law,” ver. 7-12.  Then Barnabas and Paul confirm the conversion of the Gentiles, “declaring the signs and wonders wrought by them among the Gentiles,” ver. 12.  After them James speaks, approving what Peter had spoken touching the conversion of the Gentiles, confirming it by Scripture; and further adds (which Peter did but hint, ver. 10, and Paul and Barnabas did not so much as touch upon) a remedy against the present scandal, ver. 13-22.  Here is now an ordinary way of proceeding by debates, disputes, allegations of Scripture, and mutual suffrages.  What needed all this, if this had been a transcendent, extraordinary, and not an ordinary synod?

2.  They proceeded after all their deliberative inquiries and disputes decisively to conclude and determine the matter, ver. 20-30.  The result of the synod (as there is evident) is threefold. 1.  To set down in writing their decrees and determinations. 2.  To signify those decrees in an epistle to the brethren at Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. 3.  To send these letters by some from among themselves, viz.  Judas and Silas, together with Paul and Barnabas, to all the churches that were offended or endangered, that both by written decrees and word of mouth, the churches might be established in faith and peace.

Fifthly, Here were several authoritative and juridical acts of power, put forth in this synod, according to the exigency of the present distempers of the churches.  This appears plainly,

1.  By the proceedings of the synod in accommodating a suitable and proportionable remedy to every malady at that time distempering the Church, viz. a triple medicine for a threefold disease.

1.  Against the heresy broached, viz. that they must be circumcised and keep the ceremonial “law of Moses, or else they could not be saved,” Acts xv. 2.  The synod put forth a doctrinal power, in confutation of the heresy, and clear vindication of the truth, about the great point of “justification by faith without the works of the law,” Acts xv. 7-23; and (Independents themselves being judges) a doctrinal decision of matters of faith by a lawful synod, far surpasseth the doctrinal determination of any single teacher, or of the presbytery of any single congregation; and is to be reverently received of the churches as a binding ordinance of Christ.