Acts 15:19
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸν
them which
G3588
τὸν
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from among
G575
ἀπὸ
from among
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 13
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τὸν
them which
G3588
τὸν
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐθνῶν
the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
9 of 13
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἐπιστρέφουσιν
are turned
G1994
ἐπιστρέφουσιν
are turned
Strong's:
G1994
Word #:
10 of 13
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Acts 15:28For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;Acts 15:24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:1 Thessalonians 1:9For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
Historical Context
James, Jerusalem church leader and Jesus's brother, held significant authority among Jewish Christians. His endorsement of Gentile freedom from law was crucial for the decision's acceptance by law-observant Jewish believers.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between gospel essentials and cultural practices in Christian fellowship?
- What does this teach about addressing practical fellowship concerns without adding salvation requirements?
Analysis & Commentary
James's judgment - 'we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God' - concluded that Gentile conversion didn't require Jewish cultural conformity. His minimal requirements (verse 20) addressed practical fellowship concerns rather than salvation requirements. This decision preserved gospel purity while respecting cultural sensitivities, providing wisdom for contextualization debates.