Acts 15:29
You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
You must abstain
The phrase "You must abstain" is a directive that carries a sense of urgency and importance. The Greek word used here is "ἀπέχεσθαι" (apechesthai), which means to hold oneself back or to refrain. This instruction is not merely a suggestion but a command that reflects the early church's desire to maintain purity and holiness among believers. The emphasis on abstaining highlights the need for self-control and discipline in the Christian life, aligning with the broader biblical theme of living a life set apart for God.

from food sacrificed to idols
The practice of sacrificing food to idols was common in the Greco-Roman world, and consuming such food was seen as participating in idol worship. The Greek term "εἰδωλόθυτον" (eidolothuton) refers to food offered to false gods. This prohibition is rooted in the desire to avoid any association with pagan practices, which could compromise a believer's witness and devotion to the one true God. Historically, this was a significant issue for Gentile converts who were coming out of pagan backgrounds, and the early church sought to establish clear boundaries to help them transition into a life of faithfulness to Christ.

from blood
The command to abstain from blood is linked to the Old Testament laws found in Leviticus 17:10-14, where God explicitly forbids the consumption of blood. The Hebrew understanding of blood as the life force of a creature underscores the sacredness of life. By abstaining from blood, believers honor God's creation and the sanctity of life. This directive also served to distinguish the Christian community from surrounding pagan cultures that often engaged in rituals involving blood.

from the meat of strangled animals
The prohibition against consuming the meat of strangled animals is related to the method of slaughter. Strangling an animal would result in the blood remaining in the body, which ties back to the previous command to abstain from blood. This instruction reflects a concern for ritual purity and aligns with Jewish dietary laws. It also serves as a practical guideline for Gentile believers to maintain fellowship with Jewish Christians, promoting unity within the diverse early church.

and from sexual immorality
The Greek word "πορνεία" (porneia) encompasses a range of sexual sins, including fornication, adultery, and other forms of sexual misconduct. This command is a call to uphold the biblical standard of sexual purity, which is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. In a culture where sexual immorality was rampant, this directive was crucial for maintaining the integrity and witness of the Christian community. It underscores the importance of honoring God with one's body and living in a way that reflects the holiness of Christ.

You will do well to avoid these things
This phrase serves as an encouragement and a gentle reminder of the benefits of obedience. The Greek word "εὖ πράξετε" (eu praxete) suggests that following these instructions will lead to a good and commendable outcome. It implies that adherence to these guidelines will result in spiritual well-being and harmony within the church. The early church leaders recognized that these practices would help believers live in a manner worthy of their calling and foster unity among diverse members.

Farewell
The closing word "Farewell" is translated from the Greek "Ἔρρωσθε" (errōsthe), which can also mean "be strong" or "be well." It is a customary way to conclude a letter, conveying a sense of care and goodwill. This farewell encapsulates the spirit of the letter, which is one of guidance, encouragement, and love. It reflects the pastoral heart of the apostles and elders, who desired the best for the believers as they navigated the challenges of living out their faith in a complex world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Jerusalem Council
A pivotal meeting of early church leaders, including apostles and elders, held in Jerusalem to address the issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity must follow Jewish law.

2. Paul and Barnabas
Key figures in the early church who advocated for the inclusion of Gentiles without the requirement of circumcision or adherence to the full Mosaic Law.

3. James, the brother of Jesus
A leading figure in the Jerusalem church who played a significant role in the council's decision, offering a compromise that balanced Jewish traditions with the new faith of Gentile believers.

4. Gentile Believers
Non-Jewish converts to Christianity who were at the center of the debate regarding the necessity of following Jewish customs.

5. Antioch
The city where the letter containing the council's decision was sent, serving as a major center for early Christianity and a hub for missionary activity.
Teaching Points
Cultural Sensitivity and Unity
The decision of the Jerusalem Council highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and unity within the body of Christ. Believers are called to respect the convictions of others and avoid practices that may cause division.

Moral Purity
The call to abstain from sexual immorality is a timeless principle that underscores the importance of maintaining moral purity in a believer's life.

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 may lead others into sin.

Holiness in Daily Life
The prohibitions serve as a reminder that holiness should permeate every aspect of a believer's life, including dietary choices and sexual conduct.

Obedience to Apostolic Teaching
The early church's adherence to the apostles' teaching serves as a model for believers today, emphasizing the importance of obedience to biblical instruction.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the decision of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:29 reflect the balance between freedom in Christ and adherence to certain moral and cultural standards?

2. In what ways can the principles outlined in Acts 15:29 be applied to contemporary issues facing the church today?

3. How do the prohibitions in Acts 15:29 relate to the broader biblical theme of holiness and purity?

4. What can we learn from the Jerusalem Council about resolving conflicts and maintaining unity within the church?

5. How do the teachings in 1 Corinthians 8 and Revelation 2:14, 20 complement the instructions given in Acts 15:29 regarding food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 17-18
These chapters provide the Old Testament background for the prohibitions mentioned in Acts 15:29, particularly regarding dietary laws and sexual morality.

1 Corinthians 8
Paul addresses the issue of food sacrificed to idols, emphasizing the importance of conscience and the impact on fellow believers.

Revelation 2:14, 20
These verses warn against the teachings of Balaam and Jezebel, which include eating food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality, echoing the concerns of Acts 15:29.
A Catholic PlatformActs 15:1-29
Christian LibertyM. C. Hazard.Acts 15:1-29
Church ControversyP. Schaff, D. D.Acts 15:1-29
ControversialistsJ. Thomas.Acts 15:1-29
Controversies, After Effects OfDean Stanley.Acts 15:1-29
Controversy Among ChristiansC. S. Robinson.Acts 15:1-29
Controversy, Frequently the Result of MisunderstandingJ. M. Buckley, D. D.Acts 15:1-29
Disturbers of the ChurchS. S. TimesActs 15:1-29
Essentials and Non-EssentialsActs 15:1-29
Law and GospelJ. Mason, M. A.Acts 15:1-29
The Assembly At JerusalemD. Fraser, D. D.Acts 15:1-29
The Assembly At Jerusalem: a ModelK. Gerok.Acts 15:1-29
The Assembly At Jerusalem: its ImportanceK. Gerok.Acts 15:1-29
The First Ecclesiastical CouncilD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 15:1-29
The First Ecclesiastical CouncilD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 15:1-29
The Gospel not a Matter for Controversy, But for UseC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 15:1-29
Times in Church HistoryK. Gerok.Acts 15:1-29
A Great DissensionP.C. Barker Acts 15:1-35
A Grave Crisis in the Kingdom of God: More LessonsW. Clarkson Acts 15:12-35
A Triumph of Spirituality and LibertyA. H. Bradford, D. D.Acts 15:13-29
The Decision of the CouncilJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 15:13-29
Decision of the Council At JerusalemE. Johnson Acts 15:22-29
A Life Hazarded for ChristActs 15:23-29
Christian Self-DevotionActs 15:23-29
Legal ChristiansH. W. Beecher.Acts 15:23-29
Life Hazarded in Christ's CauseJ. Sherman.Acts 15:23-29
Preference for the Spoken WordActs 15:23-29
The Apostolic LetterJ. Dowse.Acts 15:23-29
The Motto of Christian ServiceActs 15:23-29
The Spoken WordH. W. Beecher.Acts 15:23-29
The True MissionaryC. Stanford, D. D.Acts 15:23-29
The Yoke BrokenA. H. Currier.Acts 15:23-29
Two HeroesPreacher's AnalystActs 15:23-29
Reasonable and Unreasonable BurdensR. Tuck Acts 15:28, 29
The First Principles of Church Life and ActionActs 15:28-31
The Holy Spirit and the ChurchJ. W. Burn.Acts 15:28-31
The Upshot of the First Ecclesiastical Assembly a Triumph of the Holy GhostK. Gerok.Acts 15:28-31
People
Barnabas, Barsabas, David, James, John, Judas, Mark, Paul, Peter, Silas, Simeon, Simon
Places
Cilicia, Cyprus, Jerusalem, Judea, Pamphylia, Phoenicia, Samaria, Syria, Syrian Antioch
Topics
Abstain, Animals, Avoid, Blood, Body, Clear, Death, Desires, Evil, Fare, Farewell, Fornication, Free, Gods, Happy, Idols, Immorality, Keeping, Law, Lewdness, Meat, Meats, Offered, Sacrificed, Sexual, Strangled, Strong, Unchastity, Whoredom, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 15:29

     4478   meat
     5773   abstinence, discipline
     6188   immorality, sexual
     6237   sexual sin, nature of
     7315   blood, basis of life
     7525   exclusiveness
     8299   love, in relationships

Acts 15:1-29

     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Acts 15:5-31

     7512   Gentiles, in NT

Acts 15:22-29

     7026   church, leadership
     7924   fellowship, in service

Acts 15:22-41

     5108   Paul, life of

Acts 15:23-31

     5391   letters
     7610   Council of Jerusalem

Acts 15:28-29

     5286   custom

Library
The Breaking Out of Discord
'And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 3. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles:
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Charter of Gentile Liberty
'Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. 13. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name. 15. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16. After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Good Man's Faults
'And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.'--ACTS xv. 37, 38. Scripture narratives are remarkable for the frankness with which they tell the faults of the best men. It has nothing in common with the cynical spirit in historians, of which this age has seen eminent examples, which fastens upon the weak places in the noblest natures, like a wasp
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Message from the Crowned Christ
(Revelation, Chapters ii and iii) "The glory of love is brightest when the glory of self is dim, And they have the most compelled me who most have pointed to Him. They have held me, stirred me, swayed me,--I have hung on their every word, Till I fain would arise and follow, not them, not them,--but their Lord!"[64] Patmos Spells Patience. Patience is strength at its strongest, using all its strength in holding back from doing something. Patience is love at flood pleading with strength to hold steady
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 2 "Blessed are the meek: For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: For they shall obtain mercy." Matt. 5:5-7 I. 1. When "the winter is past," when "the time of singing is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in the land;" when He that comforts the mourners is now returned, "that he may abide with them for ever;" when, at the brightness of his presence, the clouds disperse,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
1 Tim. i. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment," &c. Fourthly, Faith purging the conscience purifies the heart (Acts xv. 9.), and hope also purifies the heart (1 John iii. 3.), which is nothing else but faith in the perfection and vigour of it. This includes, I. That the heart was unclean before faith. II. That faith cleanses it, and makes it pure. But "who can say, I have made my heart pure (Prov. xx. 9.), I am clean from my sin?" Is there any man's heart on this side of time, which lodges not many
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Foreword
"Jesus of Nazareth, a Biography, by John Mark," recognizes the author of the second Gospel as that "John, whose surname was Mark" (Acts 15:37), whom Barnabas chose as companion when he sailed for Cyprus on his second missionary journey. In making use of the new title, the plan of the Editor is to present "The Gospel: According to Mark" as it would be printed were it written in the twentieth rather than the first century. Mark's Gospel has been chosen for this purpose to make available in more readable
John Mark—Jesus of Nazareth - A Biography

The Subtraction Process
The baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, the entering into the heavenly inheritance of Canaan, and the possession of the land, and all the blessings that follow are unmistakably a process of addition to the already blessed experience of the justified soul. This addition is scripturally termed "sanctification." No mortal language can ever express how much of an addition it is; but there must necessarily precede this marvelous grace, a definite and absolute subtraction, a loss of all things for the
J. W. Byers—Sanctification

Cleansing.
As there are conditions requiring to be complied with in order to the obtaining of salvation, before one can be justified, e. g., conviction of sin, repentance, faith; so there are conditions for full salvation, for being "filled with the Holy Ghost." Conviction of our need is one, conviction of the existence of the blessing is another; but these have been already dealt with. "Cleansing" is another; before one can be filled with the Holy Ghost, one's heart must be "cleansed." "Giving them the Holy
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Second Missionary Journey
Scripture, Acts 15:36-18:22 +The Inception+--After the Jerusalem Council Paul returned to Antioch where he spent some time, "teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord with many others also." "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren i+The Companions+ (Acts 15:37-40).--Barnabas proposed to take John Mark, his nephew, with them on this second journey. But Paul strenuously objected, basing his objection on the ground that this young man had deserted them
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version,
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
1. When the psalmist says: "The Lord God is a sun and shield" (Psa. 84:11), he means that God is to all his creatures the source of life and blessedness, and their almighty protector; but this meaning he conveys under the figure of a sun and a shield. When, again, the apostle James says that Moses is read in the synagogues every Sabbath-day (Acts 15:21), he signifies the writings of Moses under the figure of his name. In these examples the figure lies in particular words. But it may be embodied
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Council at Jerusalem.
(Comp. § 34, pp. 835 sqq. and 346 sq.) The most complete outward representation of the apostolic church as a teaching and legislative body was the council convened at Jerusalem in the year 50, to decide as to the authority of the law of Moses, and adjust the difference between Jewish and Gentile Christianity. [743] We notice it here simply in its connection with the organization of the church. It consisted not of the apostles alone, but of apostles, elders, and brethren. We know that Peter,
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and Gentile Christianity.
Literature. I. Acts 15, and Gal. 2, and the Commentaries thereon. II. Besides the general literature already noticed (in §§ 20 and 29), compare the following special discussions on the Conference of the Apostles, which tend to rectify the extreme view of Baur (Paulus, ch. V.) and Overbeck (in the fourth edition of De Wette's Com. on Acts) on the conflict between Acts 15 and Gal. 2, or between Petrinism and Paulinism, and to establish the true historic view of their essential unity in diversity.
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Catholic Epistles.
I. Storr: De Catholicarum Epp. Occasione et Consilio. Tüb. 1789. Staeudlin: De Fontibus Epp. Cath. Gott. 1790. J. D. Schulze: Der schriftstellerische Charakter und Werth des Petrus, Jacobus und Judas. Leipz. 1802. Der schriftsteller. Ch. des Johannes. 1803. II. Commentaries on all the Catholic Epistles by Goeppfert (1780), Schlegel (1783), Carpzov (1790), Augusti (1801), Grashof (1830), Jachmann (1838), Sumner (1840), De Wette (3d ed. by Brückner 1865), Meyer (the Cath. Epp. by Huther,
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is the Remission of Sins
Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is the Remission of Sins We proceed to the first article thus: 1. It seems that the justification of the ungodly is not the remission of sins. It is clear from what was said in Q. 71, Arts. 1 and 2, that sin is opposed not only to justice, but to all virtues. Now justification means a movement towards justice. Hence not every remission of sin is justification, since every movement is from one contrary to its opposite. 2. Again, it is said in 2 De Anima, text
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether Purification of the Heart is an Effect of Faith
Whether Purification of the Heart is an Effect of Faith We proceed to the second article thus: 1. It seems that purification of the heart is not an effect of faith. Purity of heart pertains mainly to the affections. But faith is in the intellect. Hence faith does not cause purification of the heart. 2. Again, that which causes purification of the heart cannot exist together with impurity. But faith exists together with the impurity of sin, as is obvious in those whose faith is unformed. Hence faith
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Church Government.
By this time the Gospel had not only been firmly settled as the religion of the great Roman empire, but had made its way into most other countries of the world then known. Here, then, we may stop to take a view of some things connected with the Church; and it will be well, in doing so, to remember what is wisely said by our own Church, in her thirty-fourth article, which is about "the Traditions of the Church" (that is to say, the practices handed down in the Church) --"It is not necessary that traditions
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Whether Every virtue is a Moral virtue?
Objection 1: It would seem that every virtue is a moral virtue. Because moral virtue is so called from the Latin "mos," i.e. custom. Now, we can accustom ourselves to the acts of all the virtues. Therefore every virtue is a moral virtue. Objection 2: Further, the Philosopher says (Ethic. ii, 6) that moral virtue is "a habit of choosing the rational mean." But every virtue is a habit of choosing: since the acts of any virtue can be done from choice. And, moreover, every virtue consists in following
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law was Good?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law was not good. For it is written (Ezech. 20:25): "I gave them statutes that were not good, and judgments in which they shall not live." But a law is not said to be good except on account of the goodness of the precepts that it contains. Therefore the Old Law was not good. Objection 2: Further, it belongs to the goodness of a law that it conduce to the common welfare, as Isidore says (Etym. v, 3). But the Old Law was not salutary; rather was it deadly and
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There Should have Been Man Ceremonial Precepts?
Objection 1: It would seem that there should not have been many ceremonial precepts. For those things which conduce to an end should be proportionate to that end. But the ceremonial precepts, as stated above ([2105]AA[1],2), are ordained to the worship of God, and to the foreshadowing of Christ. Now "there is but one God, of Whom are all things . . . and one Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom are all things" (1 Cor. 8:6). Therefore there should not have been many ceremonial precepts. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Simple Fornication is a Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that simple fornication is not a mortal sin. For things that come under the same head would seem to be on a par with one another. Now fornication comes under the same head as things that are not mortal sins: for it is written (Acts 15:29): "That you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication." But there is not mortal sin in these observances, according to 1 Tim. 4:4, "Nothing is rejected that is received with
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is against the Natural Law to have a Concubine?
Objection 1: It would seem that to have a concubine is not against the natural law. For the ceremonies of the Law are not of the natural law. But fornication is forbidden (Acts 15:29) in conjunction with ceremonies of the law which for the time were being imposed on those who were brought to the faith from among the heathens. Therefore simple fornication which is intercourse with a concubine is not against the natural law. Objection 2: Further, positive law is an outcome of the natural law, as Tully
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is the Remission of Sins?
Objection 1: It would seem that the justification of the ungodly is not the remission of sins. For sin is opposed not only to justice, but to all the other virtues, as stated above ([2212]Q[71], A[1]). Now justification signifies a certain movement towards justice. Therefore not even remission of sin is justification, since movement is from one contrary to the other. Objection 2: Further, everything ought to be named from what is predominant in it, according to De Anima ii, text. 49. Now the remission
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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