Ans.  As every member, inspired or not, acted equally in the whole business laid before them.  Paul and Barnabas were delegated by the church of Antioch:  and the elders, who convened, had the same power as the apostles.  To the elders, teaching or ruling, as well as to the apostles, was the matter referred:  both met to consider of it:  both were equally concerned in the decision, saying, It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us.  Elders, as well as apostles, imposed the necessary things upon the churches, and authoritatively determined the decrees.  In the name of the elders, as well as of the apostles, the letters of the meeting, containing their decision, were written to the churches.  And the only reason why the inspired members put themselves on an equality with others was to exhibit a pattern to after ages.

Quest.  How does it appear, that this synod followed the ordinary method of procedure in such courts?

Ans.  As they examined the cause by much reasoning and dispute.  In consequence of mature deliberation they determined the question, and sent letters, containing their decrees, by proper messengers, to the churches concerned.  In their disputation they reasoned from the oracles of God:  on these they founded their decision; and hence therein they say, It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us.  And if this had not been to have given a pattern to succeeding ages, all this was unnecessary:  how absurd for inspired men to reason and dispute on the subject, when the sentence of one inspired was sufficient for decision!

Quest.  How does it appear that there were judicial decrees given by this synod?

Ans.  In opposition to the false doctrine taught, they, by a judicial decision, plainly declared, that obedience to the ceremonies of the law of Moses was no longer necessary:  and by a decree for promoting decency and good order, they enacted, that to avoid offence, the believing Gentiles should abstain from fornication, from things strangled, and from blood, verse 24-29.

Quest.  What effect had the decision of this synod upon the churches?

Ans.  They cheerfully submitted to these decrees, and were by them conformed in the faith, comforted in heart, and increased in number daily, Acts xv. 31, and xvi. 4, 5.

Quest.  But might not this be a meeting merely for consultation, and their decision a mere advice?

Ans.  No:  for every word here used imports authority.  The word translated lay upon, commonly signifies an authoritative imposition, Matt. xxiii. 4.  The decision is expressly called a necessary burden, and decrees ordained, which imply power and authority, Acts xv. 16, xvii. 7.

Quest.  How does it appear that inferior courts are subordinate to those that are superior; sessions to presbyteries, and presbyteries to synods?