Devine Scripture

Acts 15:20

What does Acts 15:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 15:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 15:20 means

James proposes writing to Gentile believers to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood. These guidelines are not a new law for salvation but pastoral directives. They separate Gentile converts from pagan temple life (idols), uphold universal moral standards (sexual purity), and respect long-standing Jewish sensitivities about blood and strangled animals—thus facilitating table fellowship. The goal is a holy, unified church where Jews and Gentiles can eat together and worship together without offense. Grace frees from the law’s yoke, yet love willingly limits liberty for the sake of others and the witness of the gospel.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but that we write unto them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but that we write unto them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But that we give them orders to keep themselves from things offered to false gods, and from the evil desires of the body, and from the flesh of animals put to death in ways against the law, and from blood.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but to write to them to abstain from the pollutions of the idols, and the whoredom, and the strangled thing; and the blood;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But that we write unto them, that they refrain themselves from the pollutions of idols and from fornication and from things strangled and from blood.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but to write to them to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.

Context

Following the judgment not to burden Gentiles, James details the necessary abstentions. These touch both moral absolutes and community-sensitive practices. The rationale will be given next: Moses is read in synagogues everywhere, meaning Jewish believers are present across the empire, so sensitivity is wise. The council will accept this proposal and send it in a letter with trusted representatives.

v.19Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not them that from among the Gentiles turn to God;

v.20This passage

v.21For Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 106:37

    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto demons,

  • 1 Corinthians 10:14

    Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

  • 1 Samuel 14:32

    and the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground; and the people did eat them with the blood.

  • Deuteronomy 12:23

    Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou shalt not eat the life with the flesh.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:3

    For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication;

  • 1 Corinthians 5:11

    but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat.

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