The presiding judge at the Jerusalem Council was James. The Jerusalem Council was a meeting of early Christian leaders held in Jerusalem to address issues related to the acceptance of Gentile converts into the faith. The Council was attended by apostles, elders, and other prominent figures in the early Christian community. Although Peter played a significant role in the Council by advocating for the acceptance of Gentiles, it was James who presided over the meeting and made the final decision. James was the leader of the church in Jerusalem and was highly respected by both Jewish and Gentile Christians for his wisdom and insight. He ultimately concluded that Gentile converts did not need to follow all Jewish customs and laws in order to be accepted into the Christian faith, a decision that helped to pave the way for the growth and spread of Christianity among non-Jewish populations.