Devine Scripture

Acts 15:21

What does Acts 15:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 15:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 15:21 means

James explains that Moses has been preached in every city for generations, being read in synagogues each Sabbath. Because Jewish communities are widespread, the church must consider their consciences. The proposed guidelines will help Gentile believers live peaceably with Jewish believers and avoid needless offense. This is not a retreat into legalism but an application of love in a mixed community. The verse shows the council’s pastoral realism: they aim to preserve gospel freedom while enabling Jew-Gentile fellowship in daily life, especially at the table, where differences could most easily divide the church.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For Moses, from times long past, has his preachers in every town, reading his law in the Synagogues every Sabbath.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for Moses from former generations in every city hath those preaching him--in the synagogues every sabbath being read.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him in the synagogues, where he is read every sabbath.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For Moses, from generations of old, has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.

Context

This rationale supports the four abstentions in the previous verse. With this explanation, the council has the theological and practical basis for a unified decision. The next verses describe the sending of a letter that communicates the judgment, along with representatives—Judas Barsabbas and Silas—who will confirm it orally and strengthen the churches.

v.20but that we write unto them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.

v.21This passage

v.22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 3:14

    but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed to them that it is done away in Christ.

  • Nehemiah 8:1

    And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the broad place that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which Jehovah had commanded to Israel.

  • Luke 4:16

    And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read.

  • Acts 13:15

    And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

  • Acts 13:27

    For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.

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