Acts 15:28
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Original Language Analysis
ἔδοξεν
it seemed good
G1380
ἔδοξεν
it seemed good
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
1 of 16
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίῳ
to the Holy
G40
ἁγίῳ
to the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
4 of 16
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
πνεύματι
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματι
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 16
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πλέον
greater
G4119
πλέον
greater
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
9 of 16
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
βάρος
burden
G922
βάρος
burden
Strong's:
G922
Word #:
12 of 16
weight; in the new testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 16:13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.Matthew 11:30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.Revelation 2:24But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.Acts 5:32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.Acts 15:8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;Acts 15:19Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:1 Corinthians 14:37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.1 Corinthians 7:40But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.1 Peter 1:12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Historical Context
The Jerusalem Council's decree (AD 49-50) resolved the first major theological crisis, preventing Christianity from becoming Jewish sect. The four requirements (Acts 15:29) addressed practical concerns for Jewish-Gentile fellowship without demanding full conversion to Judaism.
Questions for Reflection
- How do churches discern the balance between Spirit guidance and human wisdom in decision-making?
- What principles from this Council apply to navigating cultural differences in the church today?
Analysis & Commentary
The Council's decision formula 'it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us' shows remarkable balance between divine guidance and human discernment. The directive to lay 'no greater burden' on Gentiles than necessary minimal requirements (food laws, sexual purity) protected unity while respecting Jewish sensibilities. This decision liberated Gentile Christianity from Jewish ceremonial law.