Devine Scripture

Acts 15:28

What does Acts 15:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 15:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 15:28 means

The letter declares that it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to the council not to lay on Gentile believers any greater burden than a few necessary things. This central line asserts that the decision arises from the Spirit’s guidance, not mere pragmatism. The gospel imposes no salvific requirements beyond faith in Christ; the necessary items that follow protect holiness and fellowship. This statement balances freedom and responsibility under the Spirit’s direction. It reassures Gentile believers that their acceptance with God is complete in Christ, while also calling them to practices that honor God and respect the consciences of Jewish brothers and sisters.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to put on you nothing more than these necessary things;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, no more burden to lay upon you, except these necessary things:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay no further burden upon you than these necessary things:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

Context

This is the theological heart of the letter. Framed as a Spirit-led judgment, it sets a gracious boundary. The specifics will immediately follow: abstaining from idolatry-related foods, blood, things strangled, and sexual immorality. The letter will then close with a brief blessing. Afterward, the narrative will report the Antioch church’s reception of the letter and their joy.

v.27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves also shall tell you the same things by word of mouth.

v.28This passage

v.29that ye abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, it shall be well with you. Fare ye well.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 7:25

    Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

  • 1 Peter 1:12

    To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:40

    But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:37

    If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.

  • Matthew 11:30

    For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:8

    Therefore he that rejecteth, rejecteth not man, but God, who giveth his Holy Spirit unto you.

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