The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz: Day 336 — The Council at Jerusalem

Episode Overview

Theme:
On Day 336, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores a seminal moment in the early Church: the Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15), examining the conflict over whether Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish customs—especially circumcision—to be saved. The episode also covers 1 Corinthians 11–12 (head coverings, roles of men and women, abuses at the Lord’s Supper, and spiritual gifts), and a short passage from Proverbs 28. Fr. Mike offers theological reflections on authority, tradition, unity in the Church, and the dignity/complementarity of men and women.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Council at Jerusalem and Church Authority

([05:40]–[16:10])

• The Judaizer Controversy: Some Jewish Christians insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law before being baptized and saved.
  • “Judaizers... held onto the idea that, okay, if Gentiles are going to become a Christian... they first have to be brought into the Old Covenant in order to be brought into the New.” (Fr. Mike, [06:35])
• No Direct Scriptural Solution:
  • The apostles faced a situation not previously addressed in Scripture or Jesus’ words: could Gentiles skip circumcision and enter directly into the new covenant through baptism?
• Significance of the Council:
  • The first major council of the Church is depicted, with apostles and elders (the early bishops) debating and ultimately deciding under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
  • Quote: “This is the reason why we need the Church and not just an invisible spiritual Church. This is the reason why we need the authority of the Church, right?” (Fr. Mike, [08:30])
  • “Those church councils... look exactly like chapter 15. The apostles, aka the bishops... and the Pope, aka the successor of St. Peter. They come together, they debate.” ([09:30])
• Church Teaching Beyond Scripture:
  • Memorable point: The Church can infallibly define what is required for salvation, even when new issues arise not directly covered by Scripture.
  • “Thanks be to God, God gave us this Church... teaches us things that God himself didn’t reveal through Scripture and didn’t reveal in the person of Jesus, but does reveal through the teaching of the Church.” ([12:55])
• Imperfect People, Infallible Teachings:
  • Reflection on the human imperfection of Church leaders (Paul and Barnabas’ sharp disagreement and split), even as the Church is still divinely guided.
  • “Here’s the Church that is imperfect and yet can teach accurately, can teach infallibly. And that is essential.” ([15:55])

2. 1 Corinthians 11: Headship, Equality, and the Roles of Men and Women

([16:15]–[25:25])

• On “Headship” and Equality:
  • Paul’s teaching that “the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is her husband, and the head of Christ is God” is explained not as a statement of superiority/inferiority but of source and order.
  • Quote: “Is Jesus Christ less... than God the Father? ...Absolutely not... They are both God from God, light from light, true God from true God.” ([17:50])
  • Key insight: “The idea of having authority does not mean superiority. The idea of surrendering or submitting oneself does not mean inferiority.” ([20:55])
• Cultural Context of Head Coverings:
  • In the ancient world, unveiled women were often identified as prostitutes. Paul’s instruction is thus both pastoral and culturally sensitive—to avoid scandal.
  • “Some women... said, I don’t have to go outside with this veil because I’m not living under the law anymore... [Paul says] it’s going to be hurtful, not honoring.” ([23:45])
• Mutual Dependence:
  • Paul underscores interdependence and equality: “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor man of woman.”
  • “We need each other... Men and women are different and equal.” ([22:15], [24:25])
• Memorable Fr. Mike Moment:
  • “If the husband is the head of the household, the woman, the wife, is the heart of the household.” ([20:35])
• Countercultural Faith:
  • “The world hated the church originally... because we said men and women are equal. Now the world says men and women are not different... and the world hates the church again because the church still says men and women are equal... but also men and women are not the same, that we’re complementary.” ([25:10])

3. The Eucharist and Worthy Reception

([25:30]–[27:45])

• Real Presence Affirmed:
  • Paul’s warning about receiving Communion unworthily (“whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord”) is used to underscore belief in the Real Presence.
  • Quote: “That is his body and blood. In fact, that idiom, ‘profaning the body and blood of the Lord,’ means you’re guilty of his murder.” ([26:30])
• Necessity of Confession Before Communion:
  • “That’s one of the reasons why every single one of us has to go to confession before we go to Communion, if we’re aware of mortal sin.” ([26:45])

4. Spiritual Gifts and Unity in the Body of Christ

([27:50]–[30:10])

• Diversity of Gifts, One Spirit:
  • All spiritual gifts (wisdom, healing, prophecy, tongues, administration, etc.) come from the same Holy Spirit and are for the common good.
  • Paul likens the Church to a body: many distinct members, each essential.
• Unity and Complementarity:
  • “[Paul says...] The head and the heart can’t say to each other, ‘I don’t need you.’... If one member suffers, all suffer together.” ([28:32])
• Preparing for “The Greatest Gift”:
  • Fr. Mike foreshadows discussion of 1 Corinthians 13: “Tomorrow we’re going to talk about the greatest of these is love. That’s gonna be amazing.” ([29:50])

5. Proverbs' Insights on Justice and Humility

([30:15]–[31:05])

• “He who misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have an excellent inheritance... A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.” (Proverbs 28:10–12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Authority and Councils:
  • “This is so important. Even though we know, we know the church is imperfect... yet can teach infallibly. And that is essential.” (Fr. Mike, [12:25])
• On Headship:
  • “The idea of having authority does not mean superiority; the idea of surrendering or submitting oneself does not mean inferiority. That is not the context.” ([20:55])
• On Eucharist:
  • “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup unworthily is guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord—That is his body and blood.” ([26:30])
• On Equality:
  • “Men and women are different and equal. The Church was hated for saying that—and still is!” ([25:05])
• On Disagreements Among Saints:
  • “He broke up the band. Yoko Ono. Here is John Mark... Later on, they reconcile... but in this moment, they disagreed so vehemently they separated.” ([14:11])

Important Timestamps

• [05:40] – Introduction to the Judaizer controversy and the Council at Jerusalem
• [09:30] – Explanation of church councils and development of doctrine
• [12:55] – The Church’s ability to teach authoritatively beyond explicit Scripture
• [14:11] – Paul and Barnabas’ disagreement and Church imperfection
• [16:15] – Transition to 1 Corinthians; contextualizing headship and gender
• [20:35] – “Head and heart” analogy for men and women
• [23:45] – Cultural context of head coverings
• [25:30] – Eucharist, Real Presence, and worthy reception
• [27:50] – Spiritual gifts and unity in the Body of Christ
• [29:50] – Teaser for next episode on love
• [30:15] – Proverbs 28 and concluding spiritual reflection

Tone & Style

Fr. Mike’s tone throughout is warm, pastoral, engaging, and often humorous (“He broke up the band. Yoko Ono. Here is John Mark…”), but always rooted in clear teaching and deep theological reflection. He anticipates objections, addresses sensitivities directly (especially about gender roles), and always connects the ancient text to the lived experience and needs of listeners today.

Summary Takeaway

Day 336 highlights the essential need for visible, authoritative Church leadership when navigating new challenges; the equality and distinctiveness of men and women as taught by Paul; the seriousness of Eucharistic participation; and the vital importance of unity, diversity, and love in the Body of Christ. Fr. Mike assures listeners that while human leadership is imperfect, God’s guidance through the Church remains trustworthy and essential.