Acts 15:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} that we write {G1989} unto them {G846}, that they abstain {G567} from {G575} pollutions {G234} of idols {G1497}, and {G2532} from fornication {G4202}, and {G2532} from things strangled {G4156}, and {G2532} from blood {G129}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Instead, we should write them a letter telling them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from what is strangled and from blood.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:20 records a crucial part of the Jerusalem Council's decree, outlining specific prohibitions for Gentile converts to facilitate harmonious fellowship with Jewish believers and uphold fundamental ethical and spiritual standards. This decision, a landmark moment in early church history, emphasized that salvation is by grace through faith, yet called believers to practical holiness and sensitivity towards the conscience of others, particularly concerning practices associated with paganism and those deeply offensive to Jewish sensibilities rooted in the Mosaic Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct outcome of the momentous [Jerusalem Council](/acts/15-6-29 "Acts 15:6-29 - The Jerusalem Council's Deliberation and Decree"), a pivotal gathering of apostles and elders convened to resolve the contentious issue of whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law for salvation. The preceding verses detail the heated debate, the testimonies of Peter, Paul, and Barnabas affirming salvation by grace, and James's concluding summation. James's proposal, recorded in [Acts 15:19-21](/acts/15-19-21 "Acts 15:19-21 - James's Proposal at the Jerusalem Council"), served as a Spirit-guided compromise, affirming the theological truth of salvation by faith while addressing practical concerns for unity. The decree itself is then formally communicated in a letter to the Gentile churches, as detailed in [Acts 15:22-29](/acts/15-22-29 "Acts 15:22-29 - The Letter to the Gentile Churches").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church faced significant internal tension between Jewish Christians, who largely continued to observe aspects of the Mosaic Law, and Gentile converts, who came from polytheistic backgrounds with vastly different cultural norms. The specific prohibitions in [Acts 15:20](/acts/15-20 "Acts 15:20 - The Jerusalem Council's Prohibitions") directly address practices prevalent in the Greco-Roman world that were anathema to Jewish sensibilities. Food sacrificed to idols was common, often sold in public markets or consumed at pagan temple feasts. Fornication (sexual immorality) was widespread and often integrated into pagan worship practices. The consumption of blood and animals not properly bled (strangled) violated ancient and deeply ingrained Jewish dietary laws, tracing back to [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition Against Consuming Blood After the Flood") and reiterated throughout the [Mosaic Law](/leviticus/17 "Leviticus 17 - The Law Concerning Blood and Sacrifices"). These cultural differences posed significant barriers to table fellowship and genuine community between Jewish and Gentile believers, threatening the unity of the nascent Christian movement.

* **Key Themes:** The decree in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Salvation by Grace Through Faith**, unequivocally affirmed over salvation by works of the Law. This verse, while listing prohibitions, does so not as a means to salvation but as a practical outworking of love and unity. Another key theme is **Christian Unity and Fellowship**, as the prohibitions were designed to remove stumbling blocks for Jewish and Gentile believers to share meals and community. The decree also underscores the importance of **Moral Purity and Spiritual Separation** from pagan practices, particularly concerning idolatry and sexual immorality, which are universal ethical demands for all believers. Finally, it highlights the principle of **Love and Consideration for Others' Conscience**, demonstrating a willingness to make concessions for the sake of brotherly harmony, a principle further expounded by Paul in his epistles, such as in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Principles of Christian Liberty and Conscience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **write (Greek, _epistéllō'_):** From G1989, this word means "to enjoin (by writing), i.e. (genitive case) to communicate by letter (for any purpose)." In Acts 15:20, it signifies the authoritative and formal nature of the Jerusalem Council's decision, communicated in written form to the Gentile churches. This was not a mere suggestion but a binding directive issued by the apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit.
* **abstain (Greek, _apéchomai'_):** From G567, this middle voice verb means "to hold oneself off, i.e. refrain." This term emphasizes a deliberate and conscious choice on the part of the Gentile believers to separate themselves from certain practices. It highlights the active role of the believer in living out their faith and respecting the guidelines set forth by the church leadership for the sake of unity and holiness.
* **pollutions (Greek, _alísgema'_):** From G234, this word refers to "(ceremonially) defilement." Specifically, when paired with "of idols" (G1497, _eídōlon_, meaning "an image for worship; by implication, a heathen god"), it refers to food or practices associated with pagan idol worship. This prohibition aimed to prevent Gentile believers from participating in or giving the appearance of participating in pagan rituals, which were a source of spiritual and ceremonial defilement from a Jewish perspective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But that we write unto them,"**: This clause introduces the specific instruction or decree that the Council decided to issue to the Gentile believers. The use of "But" (G235, _allá_) signals a transition from the general theological affirmation of salvation by grace to the practical implications and specific behavioral guidelines for the Gentile converts. The act of "writing" (G1989, _epistéllō_) underscores the official and authoritative nature of this communication from the Jerusalem Council.
* **"that they abstain from pollutions of idols,"**: This is the first and arguably most significant prohibition. "Pollutions of idols" (G234, _alísgema_ of G1497, _eídōlon_) refers primarily to food that had been sacrificed to idols, but also encompasses any participation in or association with pagan worship. For Jewish believers, consuming such food or engaging in idol worship was a profound defilement and a betrayal of the one true God. This prohibition aimed to ensure a clear break from paganism for new converts and to avoid offending the consciences of Jewish Christians who would view such practices as an endorsement of idolatry.
* **"and [from] fornication,"**: This prohibition addresses sexual immorality (G4202, _porneía_), a broad term encompassing all illicit sexual acts, including prostitution, adultery, and incest, which were rampant in the Greco-Roman world and often intertwined with pagan religious rites. Unlike the other prohibitions, which had specific cultural and ceremonial implications, the command to abstain from fornication is a universal moral imperative, foundational to biblical ethics for all believers, regardless of their background.
* **"and [from] things strangled,"**: This refers to meat from animals that had been suffocated (G4156, _pniktós_) rather than properly bled. In Jewish law, animals intended for consumption had to be bled to render them kosher. The blood, representing life, was considered sacred and reserved for atonement, not for consumption. This practice was common in pagan sacrifices but violated deeply held Jewish dietary laws.
* **"and [from] blood."**: This final prohibition directly addresses the consumption of blood (G129, _haîma_). From the earliest commands to Noah ([Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - The Prohibition Against Blood Consumption")) to the detailed regulations in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 17:10-14](/leviticus/17-10-14 "Leviticus 17:10-14 - Blood as the Life of the Creature")), the consumption of blood was strictly forbidden for the Israelites. This prohibition was deeply ingrained in Jewish theology, where blood symbolized life and was central to the concept of atonement. For Jewish believers, consuming blood was an egregious violation of God's command and a profound offense.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 15:20 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse presents a clear, concise list of four specific prohibitions. This list is structured with **Anaphora**, the repetition of the preposition "from" (G575, _apó_) before each item ("from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood"), which emphasizes each distinct category of abstinence and gives the decree a rhythmic, authoritative tone. The use of **Juxtaposition** is also evident, as the list combines prohibitions related to pagan practices (pollutions of idols, things strangled, blood) with a universal moral command (fornication). This highlights the dual concern of the council: maintaining spiritual purity and fostering inter-cultural unity. The initial conjunction "But" (G235, _allá_) serves as a **Transition**, signaling a shift from the theological argument to the practical application of the Council's decision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:20 stands as a testament to the early church's commitment to both theological truth and practical unity. While affirming salvation by grace through faith alone, the Council recognized the importance of practical holiness and sensitivity to cultural and religious backgrounds. The prohibitions were not about earning salvation but about living out a transformed life that honored God and did not cause offense to fellow believers, particularly those with deeply held convictions rooted in the Old Testament. This decision set a precedent for Christian liberty, demonstrating that while the ceremonial law was not binding for salvation, love and consideration for the conscience of others should guide believers' actions. It underscored that the gospel creates a new community where cultural differences are navigated with wisdom and grace for the sake of shared fellowship.

* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")
* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Consider Your Liberty")
* [Leviticus 17:10-14](/leviticus/17-10-14 "Leviticus 17:10-14 - The Sacredness of Blood in the Mosaic Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:20, while addressing specific historical and cultural challenges, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. The call to abstain from "pollutions of idols" extends beyond literal idol worship to encompass any modern-day "idols" that compete for our ultimate devotion, such as materialism, self-worship, or the pursuit of worldly status. The prohibition against "fornication" remains a universal and unwavering command for sexual purity, reminding us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. While the dietary restrictions concerning "things strangled" and "blood" are generally not considered binding for Gentile Christians today, the underlying principle of loving consideration for the conscience of fellow believers and avoiding actions that might cause a brother or sister to stumble remains profoundly relevant. This passage challenges us to live lives of practical holiness, marked by both unwavering devotion to God and compassionate sensitivity towards others, always prioritizing the unity of the body of Christ over personal preferences or liberties.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "pollutions of idols" manifest in my life today, and how can I actively abstain from them?**
* **How does the universal command against "fornication" shape my understanding of Christian ethics and purity in a contemporary culture?**
* **How can I apply the principle of considering others' consciences (as seen in the prohibitions concerning things strangled and blood) in my interactions with believers from different backgrounds or with different convictions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster greater unity and fellowship within my local church community, even amidst diverse backgrounds and practices?**

### FAQ
**Are the prohibitions in Acts 15:20 still binding for Christians today?**

Answer: The prohibitions in Acts 15:20 are generally understood to have varying degrees of ongoing applicability. The command to abstain from "fornication" (sexual immorality) is a universal and timeless moral absolute, consistently condemned throughout the New Testament (e.g., [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication")). The abstinence from "pollutions of idols" remains relevant as a call to avoid any form of idolatry, whether literal or spiritual, that compromises devotion to the one true God. While Christians are free from the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, the principle of not participating in or giving the appearance of endorsing false worship is enduring. The prohibitions against "things strangled" and "blood" were primarily rooted in Jewish dietary laws and cultural sensitivities, designed to facilitate fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church. Most Gentile Christians today do not consider these specific dietary restrictions to be binding, understanding them as part of the temporary cultural bridge-building efforts of the early church. However, the underlying principle of loving consideration for the conscience of fellow believers (as discussed by Paul in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Christian Liberty and Conscience") and [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Offered to Idols")) remains crucial.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 15:20, while a practical decree, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Christ. The prohibitions, particularly concerning "blood" and "pollutions of idols," implicitly point to the comprehensive work of Jesus. The Old Testament emphasis on blood, as seen in the command against its consumption, underscored its sacredness as the life-force and its role in atonement ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). This foreshadowed the ultimate and perfect atonement achieved through the shedding of Christ's own blood, which truly cleanses from all sin and defilement, making Old Covenant sacrifices and dietary laws obsolete for salvation ([Hebrews 9:12-14](/hebrews/9-12-14 "Hebrews 9:12-14 - Christ's Blood as Perfect Atonement")). Furthermore, the call to abstain from "pollutions of idols" highlights Christ's exclusive claim as the one true God and Savior. He is the only mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus")), and devotion to Him inherently means turning away from all other gods and false worship. The universal moral command against "fornication" is also fulfilled in Christ, who calls His followers to a radical new standard of holiness and purity, reflecting His own character and the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the practical guidelines of Acts 15:20, while addressing immediate concerns, ultimately find their theological grounding and spiritual power in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, who unites all believers, Jew and Gentile, into one holy body.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 15:29

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Revelation 2:20

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Revelation 2:14

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Leviticus 3:17

[It shall be] a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

Genesis 9:4

But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

Acts 21:25

As 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.

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.