Acts 15:29

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀπέχεσθαι

G567

That ye abstain

to hold oneself off, i.e., refrain

εἰδωλοθύτων

G1494

from meats offered to idols

an image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering

καὶ

G2532

and

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

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

πνικτοῦ

G4156

from things strangled

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

πορνείας

G4202

from fornication

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

ἐξ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#10

ὧν

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#11

διατηροῦντες

G1301

if ye keep

to watch thoroughly, i.e., (positively and transitively) to observe strictly, or (negatively and reflexively) to avoid wholly

#12

ἑαυτοὺς

G1438

yourselves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#13

εὖ

G2095

well

(adverbially) well

#14

πράξετε

G4238

ye shall do

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

#15

Ἔῤῥωσθε

G4517

Fare ye well

probably akin to g4506); to strengthen, i.e., (impersonal passive) have health (as a parting exclamation, good-bye)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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 this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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