23.The Synod's decrees delivered

The Synod’s decrees delivered to the Congregations within the Presbyteries The Delegates thus deputized by and from that Synod then "came to [the Presbytery of] Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: which, when they had read it, they rejoiced because of the consolation." Acts 15:30f.

"And Paul chose Silas, and...went through [the Presbyteries of] Syria and Cilicia [while] confirming the Churches.... And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees that had been ordained by the Apostles and Elders for [the Presbyteries] to keep [them].... And so were the Churches [alias all of the Congregations in the Presbyteries] established in the [Christian] Faith, and increased in number daily." Acts 15:40to16:5.

Here, note that the word "decrees" translates the Greek word dogmata. It means ’enacted ordinances.’ Such enactments of the Synod were not merely advisory but indeed actually obligatory for the Christians in all of the Congregations within the several Presbyteries here addressed. As Owen himself observes (XVI:46f) "The brethren of the Church may be so multiplied as that the constant meeting of them all in one place may not be absolutely best for their edification; howbeit, that on all the solemn occasions of the Church whereunto their consent was necessary they did of old and ought still to meet, in the same place [viz. in such Synods], for advice [and] consultation and consent.... This is so fully expressed and exemplified in the two great Churches [in the Presbyteries?!] of Jerusalem and Antioch, Acts 15:1-41 , that it cannot be gainsaid."

Elsewhere too, Owen explains (XVII:99): "The Synod indeed at Jerusalem had determined [!!!] that the yoke of the law [of the Israelites] should not be put upon the necks of the Gentile converts. Acts 15."