During the Council of Jerusalem, who spoke that ended the debate immediately?

The decision made during the Council of Jerusalem was significant for the early Church as it addressed the issue of whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law. Peter, after sharing his account of God's revelation regarding the acceptance of Gentiles, set a tone of authority and clarity. He articulated that salvation is through the grace of Jesus Christ, irrespective of adherence to the law.

Following Peter's address, it was James who provided the concluding remarks that brought consensus and resolved the debate. He referenced the prophecies regarding the inclusion of the Gentiles, suggesting guidelines that were to be followed, which led to the adoption of a plan for how the Church would interact with Gentile believers.

Although Paul was known for his missionary work among the Gentiles and contributed significantly to the discussions, it was James's words that solidified the direction and conclusion of the debate during the Council of Jerusalem. His position as a leader in the Jerusalem church and his reference to scriptural prophecy played a pivotal role in achieving unity in the decision-making process.