What major decision was made during the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15?

The major decision made during the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 was indeed regarding whether Gentiles should follow Jewish law. This council addressed a critical issue in the early church related to the inclusion of Gentile believers and the requirements for their faith. Some members believed that Gentiles should adhere to Jewish customs, particularly the practice of circumcision and other aspects of the Mosaic law. However, the council ultimately concluded that imposing such requirements was unnecessary and contrary to the grace that is central to the Christian faith.

The decision emphasized that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not through adherence to the law. This pivotal moment helped to define the nature of the early Christian community and laid the groundwork for the church's mission to reach all people, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. By affirming that Gentiles did not need to follow Jewish law, the council opened the door for the spread of the Gospel to all nations, underlining the essential belief in salvation by grace through faith, which became a core principle in Christian theology.