Keraia
Acts 15

Acts 15:20

The Council at Jerusalem · Acts 15:5–21
Read Acts 15

Translations

Modern
Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.
Traditional
But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
Literal
…but to write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from sexual immorality, and from that which is strangled, and from blood.
Latin
…sed scribere ad eos ut abstineant se a contaminationibus simulacrorum, et fornicatione, et suffocatis, et sanguine.

Original

Greek
English
Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.

Notes

Acts 15:20

  • Eating food offered to idols is sinful when it involves active participation in idol worship (see Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 5:8; Revelation 2:14, 20). However, Paul teaches that eating such food is not always wrong in itself. The concern is whether eating causes a fellow believer with a weak conscience to sin (1 Corinthians 8:4–13). Paul also warns against eating at a pagan temple, since that amounts to sharing in idol worship. But he permits eating food bought in the market or served at a meal without asking about its origin (10:14–30).

  • sexual immorality: This was a common practice in the Greek world but is always sinful (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18; Galatians 5:19).

  • the meat of strangled animals: The law of Moses prohibited eating meat with blood in it or consuming blood (Leviticus 17:10–12, 13–14). This was because “the life of all flesh is its blood” (Leviticus 17:14). Also, “it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (see Leviticus 17:11 and study note). Noah, the ancestor of both Gentiles and Jews, first received this command from God (Genesis 9:4).

Acts 15:4–21

The first council of the church met to resolve the dispute concerning Gentiles and circumcision (15:1–2).

Events

Parallels

Amos 9:11–15 Galatians 2:1–10

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Antioch of Syria Barnabas Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Blood Book of the Acts of the Apostles Brothers of Jesus Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Circumcision Dietary Laws Elder James (Person) Jerusalem Council John Mark Letter of James Letter to the Galatians Nations Nicolaitans Peter, the Apostle Silas Strangling Titus (Person)

Topics

Adultery: Forbidden Adultery: General Scriptures Concerning Antioch: A City of Syria: Dissension Within the Congregation of Blood Transfusions Blood: Eating of, Forbidden to The Early Christians Blood: Forbidden to be Used As Food Catholicity: Inculcated Chastity: Commanded Chastity: General Scriptures Concerning Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Circumcision: Abrogated Council: Apostolic Doctrines: Guidelines Set Forth from the Leaders in Jerusalem Drinking Blood Elder in the Christian Church Gentiles: Conversion of Idolatry: Denunciations Against Idolatry: Led to Abominable Sins James: An Apostle: Addresses the Gathering at Jerusalem in Favor of Liberty for the Gentile Converts Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is not of Faith and Works United Law: Temporary Living Together Unmarried Strangled: Things Dying by Strangulation, Forbidden As Food Titus: Compare