Acts 15:20
But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐπιστεῖλαι
that we write
G1989
ἐπιστεῖλαι
that we write
Strong's:
G1989
Word #:
2 of 19
to enjoin (by writing), i.e., (genitive case) to communicate by letter (for any purpose)
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 19
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
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπό
from
G575
ἀπό
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰδώλων
of idols
G1497
εἰδώλων
of idols
Strong's:
G1497
Word #:
10 of 19
an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πορνείας
from fornication
G4202
πορνείας
from fornication
Strong's:
G4202
Word #:
13 of 19
harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνικτοῦ
from things strangled
G4156
πνικτοῦ
from things strangled
Strong's:
G4156
Word #:
16 of 19
throttled, i.e., (neuter concretely) an animal choked to death (not bled)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 2:20Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.Acts 15:29That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.Revelation 2:14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.Leviticus 3:17It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.Genesis 9:4But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.Acts 21:25As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.Revelation 9:20And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:1 Corinthians 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,1 Corinthians 8:1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.1 Corinthians 6:18Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Historical Context
The Jerusalem Council (circa AD 49-50): This pivotal meeting addressed the fundamental question: Must Gentile converts be circumcised and follow Mosaic Law? The controversy arose when Judaizers from Jerusalem taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1). The council's decision, led by James (Jesus' brother), represented a watershed moment in church history, officially recognizing that salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works of the Law.
Cultural Context: The four prohibitions addressed practices common in Greco-Roman culture but offensive to Jewish sensibilities. Meat sacrificed to idols was sold in markets and served at social gatherings. These requirements enabled table fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians, crucial for church unity in the first century.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did the Jerusalem Council choose these four specific requirements rather than others from Mosaic Law?
- How do these prohibitions balance Christian freedom with sensitivity to others' consciences?
- What is the relationship between the Noahic covenant and the four requirements listed here?
- How does this decision demonstrate the early church's wisdom in distinguishing between essential doctrine and cultural practice?
- What principles from this passage should guide modern churches in matters of Christian liberty and unity?
Analysis & Commentary
The Jerusalem Council's Decision: This verse records the apostolic decree addressing Gentile believers' relationship to Mosaic Law. The Greek word ἀπέχεσθαι (apechesthai, "abstain") means to hold oneself away from, indicating active avoidance rather than passive non-participation. Four Prohibitions:
Theological Significance: These requirements balance freedom from the Law with sensitivity to Jewish believers.
Three of the four relate to Noahic covenant principles (Genesis 9:3-6), suggesting universal moral standards. Practical Wisdom: By requiring only these essentials, the apostles removed barriers to Gentile conversion while maintaining fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers in mixed congregations.