Acts 15:21
For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
Original Language Analysis
Μωσῆς
Moses
G3475
Μωσῆς
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
1 of 18
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
γενεῶν
time
G1074
γενεῶν
time
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
4 of 18
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
κατὰ
every
G2596
κατὰ
every
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κηρύσσοντας
them that preach
G2784
κηρύσσοντας
them that preach
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
9 of 18
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 18
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
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
G4864
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
14 of 18
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
κατὰ
every
G2596
κατὰ
every
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
15 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
Acts 13:15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.Acts 13:27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
Historical Context
Synagogue services included Torah readings every Sabbath, maintaining Jewish identity and law-knowledge throughout the diaspora. This practice had existed for centuries since the Babylonian exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christians honor biblical heritage without imposing legalism?
- What role does Scripture reading play in maintaining doctrinal purity?
- How can we preserve tradition without adding to gospel requirements?
Analysis & Commentary
James notes that Moses is 'read in the synagogues every sabbath day,' acknowledging Jewish believers' continued connection to their heritage. However, this doesn't mean Gentiles must become Jews. Rather, James will propose minimal restrictions for Gentile-Jewish fellowship, removing stumbling blocks while maintaining gospel freedom.