Acts 15:20

Authorized King James Version

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλὰ

G235

But

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐπιστεῖλαι

G1989

that we write

to enjoin (by writing), i.e., (genitive case) to communicate by letter (for any purpose)

αὐτοῖς

G846

unto them

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπέχεσθαι

G567

that they abstain

to hold oneself off, i.e., refrain

ἀπό

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀλισγημάτων

G234

pollutions

(ceremonially) defilement

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

εἰδώλων

G1497

of idols

an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

πορνείας

G4202

from fornication

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

πνικτοῦ

G4156

from things strangled

throttled, i.e., (neuter concretely) an animal choked to death (not bled)

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

αἵματος

G129

from blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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