Acts 15:21

Context

Acts 15:21 is spoken by James, the brother of Jesus and a prominent leader in the early Jerusalem church, during the pivotal Jerusalem Council. This council convened to address a major theological dispute: whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to be circumcised and adhere to the ceremonial laws of Moses to be saved. James's argument here is strategic. He points out that the Mosaic Law, or the Law of Moses, was already widely disseminated and known through its regular reading in synagogues across the Roman world. This implies that Gentiles, even if not fully embracing all aspects of the Law, were familiar with its moral principles and key tenets. Therefore, requiring them to suddenly adopt the full ceremonial law would be an unnecessary burden, especially since the Law was already being preached and understood in every city.

Key Themes

• Accessibility of Scripture: The verse highlights that the Mosaic Law (the Pentateuch) was not hidden but openly read and taught publicly every Sabbath. This underscores the Jewish commitment to the regular study and proclamation of God's Word.
• The Role of the Synagogue: Synagogues served as crucial centers for Jewish life, worship, and education, ensuring that the Law of Moses was constantly heard and discussed. They were also often the first places where the Gospel was preached by early Christians like Paul in his missionary journeys.
• Familiarity with Jewish Law: James's point is that Gentiles living in cities with synagogues would already have some exposure to Jewish ethical and moral teachings, even if not fully converted to Judaism. This familiarity meant that certain basic requirements (like abstaining from idolatry, sexual immorality, things strangled, and blood) would not be entirely foreign or unduly burdensome to new converts.
• Transition from Old to New Covenant: While not explicitly stated, James's argument indirectly supports the idea that salvation is not dependent on adherence to the Old Covenant's ceremonial laws, but rather on faith in Christ. The Law served its purpose, and its widespread knowledge facilitated understanding of God's character and prepared the way for the Gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him" refers to the established practice of publicly reading and expounding the books of Moses (the Torah) in synagogues. The term "preach him" (Greek: kērýssō), here signifies not just proclamation but also authoritative teaching and exposition of the Law. It emphasizes the continuous, widespread dissemination of the Mosaic covenant. The phrase "being read in the synagogues every sabbath day" highlights the regular, systematic instruction in the Law, making it a foundational element of public life and religious understanding in the Jewish world.

Significance and Application

Acts 15:21 offers several insights relevant for believers today:

• The Enduring Value of God's Word: Just as the Law of Moses was widely accessible and regularly read, so too should God's complete Word, including the New Testament, be accessible and studied by believers today. Regular engagement with Scripture is vital for spiritual growth and understanding God's will.
• Understanding the Law's Purpose: This verse reminds us that the Law had a significant role in preparing humanity for Christ. While Christians are not under the Law for salvation, its moral principles still reflect God's character and provide guidance for righteous living.
• Cultural Sensitivity in Missions: James's approach demonstrates wisdom in considering the cultural context of Gentile converts. It highlights the importance of not placing unnecessary burdens on new believers but focusing on the essentials of faith and ethical living, which were already partly understood due to the Law's widespread influence.