Acts 15:19
What does Acts 15:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 15:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 15:19 means
James concludes that they should not trouble Gentiles who are turning to God. He rejects adding the Mosaic law as a requirement for salvation or fellowship. This judgment arises from God’s work and God’s Word: Gentiles have received the Spirit and Scripture foretold their inclusion. The church’s role is to remove unnecessary obstacles, not to create new ones. To “trouble” them would be to unsettle their faith, cast doubt on God’s acceptance, and fracture the church. Instead, James will recommend a few necessary guidelines that uphold moral purity and enable shared life between Jewish and Gentile believers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not them that from among the Gentiles turn to God;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not them that from among the Gentiles turn to God;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For this reason my decision is, that we do not put trouble in the way of those who from among the Gentiles are turned to God;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862wherefore I judge: not to trouble those who from the nations do turn back to God,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For which cause, judge that they who from among the Gentiles are converted to God are not to be disquieted:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Wherefore I judge, not to trouble those who from the nations turn toGod;
Context
This is the practical turn after the prophetic citation. James affirms the gospel’s freedom for Gentiles, preparing to outline minimal, crucial instructions that reflect holiness and promote unity. The items to follow address idolatry, sexual immorality, and practices offensive to Jewish conscience. The next verse lists these abstentions, which will be communicated in a formal letter to the Gentile churches.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 2:4
and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
- Acts 15:28
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:
- Acts 15:24
Forasmuch as we have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls; to whom we gave no commandment;
- Isaiah 55:7
let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
- Hosea 14:2
Take with you words, and return unto Jehovah: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and accept that which is good: so will we render as bullocks the offering of our lips.
- Galatians 5:11
But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away.
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