Acts 15:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 15:20
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
Chapter Context
Acts 15 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, faith, redemption. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-41: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 15:20
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
Analysis
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:
- ἀλισγημάτων τῶν εἰδώλων (alisgēmatōn tōn eidōlōn, "pollutions of idols")—meat offered to idols
- πορνείας (porneias, "fornication")—sexual immorality
- πνικτοῦ (pniktou, "things strangled")—meat not properly bled
- αἵματος (haimatos, "blood")—consuming blood.
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Blood: αἷμα (Haima) G129 - Blood
Cross-References
- Blood: Acts 15:29, 21:25, Genesis 9:4, Leviticus 3:17
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 6:9, 6:18, 8:1, Revelation 2:14, 2:20, 9:20