WCF 31.1

31.1. Of Synods and Councils

For the better government, and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called synods or councils.

Proof texts

• Acts 15:2, 4, 6 — [2] And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. [4] When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. [6] The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Acts 15:2, 4, 6 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. HC Q83 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
3. HC Q84 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. The Assembly divided over this: The Grand Debate over Polity. Presbyterian or Independent: who exercises the keys of the kingdom? What turns on the answer?

Read alongside

HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85 · BC 7.4 · BC 7.5 · BC 7.6 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · IAR 7.1 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2