# Council of Jerusalem (c. 49)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/49-council-of-jerusalem
Location: Jerusalem, Judea
Themes: Council

Apostles and elders meet in Jerusalem and decide that Gentile converts need not be circumcised or keep the full Mosaic law. At this point in the timeline (c. 49), the Bishop of Rome was Saint Peter (c. 30 – c. 64). Dates for the earliest bishops of Rome are traditional and uncertain.

## Why it matters
The decision allowed Christianity to grow as a universal faith rather than a Jewish sect.

Pope at the time: [Saint Peter](https://christianity-history.com/popes/saint-peter)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Council of Jerusalem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Jerusalem)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Council of Jerusalem](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Council+of+Jerusalem)
- [Wikipedia — Apostolic Age (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_Age)