Do you mean the COUNCIL of Jerusalem (Acts 15)? Not the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of JUDAISM under the authority of the Roman Empire)?
Yes, JAMES was the leader of the COUNCIL OF Jerusalem (and very notably, NOT Peter). Now, there is some disagreement as to which "James." I hold that this is James, the brother of Jesus. But there are some who believe that this is James the Lessor, a pretty much insignificant and unknown Apostle. Both are theoretically possible, but either way - it's not Peter.
Yes, I think a case can be made that the first leader of things is JAMES (take your pick: James - brother of Jesus or James - the lesser, insignificant, unknown Apostle) - and not Peter.
Now, back to the issue of the thread????? Wink
- Josiah