One aspect of hermeneutics which has provided no lack of scholarly discussion is the question of the interpretation and use of the Old Testament scriptures with regard to New Testament doctrine and practice. Discussion of this topic must consider the way in which the New Testament authors understood and applied the Old Testament. This brings up many potentially difficult passages, but few are as thorny as James' citation of Amos 9:11-12 during the Jerusalem Council as recorded in Acts 15:16-18.