Acts 15:20

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.

Study Bible

Instead we should write and tell them
This phrase indicates a decision-making process within the early church. The Greek word for "write" (γράφω, graphō) suggests a formal communication, emphasizing the importance of the message. The context here is the Jerusalem Council, where leaders like James, Peter, and Paul sought to address the concerns of Gentile converts. Historically, this reflects the early church's struggle to define the relationship between Jewish law and Gentile believers, highlighting the need for unity and clarity in doctrine.

to abstain from food polluted by idols
The Greek word for "abstain" (ἀπέχω, apechō) means to hold oneself back or refrain. This instruction is rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the time, where food offered to idols was common in pagan rituals. The early church sought to distance itself from idolatry, aligning with the First Commandment. This directive underscores the call for believers to live distinctively, avoiding practices that could compromise their witness or lead to syncretism.

from sexual immorality
The term "sexual immorality" (πορνεία, porneia) encompasses a range of illicit sexual activities. In the Greco-Roman world, sexual immorality was prevalent and often intertwined with pagan worship. By instructing Gentile believers to abstain from such practices, the early church reinforced the biblical standard of sexual purity, reflecting God's design for human relationships as outlined in Genesis and reiterated throughout Scripture.

from the meat of strangled animals
This phrase refers to the method of slaughtering animals. The prohibition against consuming such meat is linked to Jewish dietary laws found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Strangling an animal meant the blood was not properly drained, which was significant because blood was considered sacred. This instruction reflects a respect for life and the sanctity of blood, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing atonement and covenant.

and from blood
The prohibition against consuming blood is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, as seen in Genesis 9:4 and Leviticus 17:10-14. Blood represents life and is sacred to God. This commandment served as a reminder of the sanctity of life and the seriousness of sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins. For the early church, this was a call to honor God's covenant and maintain purity in their new life in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. James
The leader of the Jerusalem church who proposed the decision to write to the Gentile believers, advising them on certain practices.

2. Jerusalem Council
A significant meeting of early church leaders in Jerusalem to discuss the requirements for Gentile converts.

3. Gentile Believers
Non-Jewish converts to Christianity who were the recipients of the letter from the Jerusalem Council.

4. Antioch
The city where the letter was sent, a major center of early Christianity and a diverse church community.

5. Paul and Barnabas
Apostles who were present at the council and played a key role in advocating for the Gentile believers.

Teaching Points

Cultural Sensitivity and Unity
The decision of the Jerusalem Council highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and unity within the church. While the Gentiles were not bound by the full Mosaic Law, they were asked to respect certain practices to maintain fellowship with Jewish believers.

Holiness and Purity
The prohibitions against sexual immorality and consuming blood or strangled animals emphasize the call to holiness and purity in the Christian life. These practices were associated with pagan rituals and idolatry, which believers were to avoid.

Freedom and Responsibility
While Christians have freedom in Christ, this freedom comes with the responsibility to act in love and consideration for others, avoiding actions that might cause others to stumble in their faith.

Continuity and Change
The early church navigated the tension between continuity with Jewish traditions and the newness of the gospel message. This passage illustrates how the church discerned which aspects of the law were essential for all believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the decision of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:20 reflect the balance between freedom in Christ and responsibility towards others?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of cultural sensitivity and unity in our diverse church communities today?

3. How do the prohibitions in Acts 15:20 relate to the call for holiness and purity in the life of a believer?

4. What are some modern-day practices or beliefs that might parallel the issues of food offered to idols and sexual immorality in the early church?

5. How can we discern which cultural or religious practices are essential for maintaining unity in the church today, similar to the early church's decision-making process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 17-18
These chapters provide the Old Testament background for the prohibitions mentioned in Acts 15:20, particularly regarding dietary laws and sexual immorality.

1 Corinthians 8
Paul discusses the issue of food offered to idols, providing further insight into the early church's struggle with this issue.

Revelation 2:14, 20
These verses mention the teachings of Balaam and Jezebel, which include eating food sacrificed to idols and committing sexual immorality, showing the ongoing relevance of these issues in the early church.