Acts 21:25
What does Acts 21:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:25 means
The leaders explicitly reaffirm the prior judgment for Gentile believers: they are to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, what is strangled, and from fornication. This reminder protects the freedom of Gentile converts from being entangled in the law’s ceremonial requirements, while promoting holiness and fellowship. It clarifies that the proposal to Paul is not a shift in doctrine but a pastoral accommodation within Jewish circles. The church holds fast to the gospel’s terms for all nations, even as it seeks wise ways to edify particular communities. Unity is preserved by clear teaching and thoughtful application.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But as touching the Gentiles that have believed, we wrote, giving judgment that they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But as touching the Gentiles that have believed, we wrote, giving judgment that they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But as to the Gentiles who have the faith, we sent a letter, giving our decision that they were to keep themselves from offerings made to false gods, and from blood, and from the flesh of animals put to death in ways against the law, and from the evil desires of the body.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And concerning those of the nations who have believed, we have written, having given judgment, that they observe no such thing, except to keep themselves both from idol-sacrifices, and blood, and a strangled thing, and whoredom.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But, as touching the Gentiles that believe, we have written, decreeing that they should only refrain themselves from that which has been offered to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But concerning [those of] the nations who have believed, we have written, deciding that they should [observe no such thing, only to] keep themselves both from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication.
Context
This verse safeguards the outcome of the plan in verses 23–24 by anchoring it in the established decision of the Jerusalem church. It ensures that the symbolic action Paul will take is not misconstrued as a new rule for Gentiles. With this clarified, verse 26 proceeds to Paul’s participation in the vow and his entry into the temple. The following verses (27–36) show that the plan cannot prevent opposition from hostile outsiders, leading to Paul’s arrest under Roman protection.
v.24these take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads: and all shall know that there is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning thee; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law.
v.25This passage
v.26Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them went into the temple, declaring the fulfilment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 15:29
that 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.
- Acts 15:19
Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not them that from among the Gentiles turn to God;
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