Acts 15:29
That 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.
Original Language Analysis
εἰδωλοθύτων
from meats offered to idols
G1494
εἰδωλοθύτων
from meats offered to idols
Strong's:
G1494
Word #:
2 of 15
an image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἵματος
from blood
G129
αἵματος
from blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
4 of 15
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πνικτοῦ
from things strangled
G4156
πνικτοῦ
from things strangled
Strong's:
G4156
Word #:
6 of 15
throttled, i.e., (neuter concretely) an animal choked to death (not bled)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πορνείας
from fornication
G4202
πορνείας
from fornication
Strong's:
G4202
Word #:
8 of 15
harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
ἐξ
from
G1537
ἐξ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ὧν
which
G3739
ὧν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
διατηροῦντες
if ye keep
G1301
διατηροῦντες
if ye keep
Strong's:
G1301
Word #:
11 of 15
to watch thoroughly, i.e., (positively and transitively) to observe strictly, or (negatively and reflexively) to avoid wholly
ἑαυτοὺς
yourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
yourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
12 of 15
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Cross References
Acts 15:20But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.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 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.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 17:14For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.1 John 5:21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,1 Timothy 5:22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.2 Corinthians 11:9And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.2 Corinthians 13:11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Historical Context
These restrictions addressed major cultural barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Jews considered eating blood or idol meat abominable, while sexual immorality was common in pagan culture. These minimal concessions facilitated unity.
Questions for Reflection
- How can Christians exercise freedom while not causing others to stumble?
- What's the difference between gospel essentials and matters of conscience?
- How should love for others limit our Christian liberty?
Analysis & Commentary
The council requires abstention from 'meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication.' These prohibitions aren't salvific requirements but practical wisdom for Jewish-Gentile fellowship. Three relate to food laws (idolatry, blood, strangling), one to sexual morality. The letter promises 'ye shall do well,' not 'ye shall be saved' - distinguishing justification from sanctification.