Acts 16:4

And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

And {G1161} as {G5613} they went through {G1279} the cities {G4172}, they delivered {G3860} them {G846} the decrees {G1378} for to keep {G5442}, that were ordained {G2919} of {G5259} the apostles {G652} and {G2532} elders {G4245} which {G3588} were at {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419}.

As they went on through the towns, they delivered to the people the decisions reached by the emissaries and the elders in Yerushalayim for them to observe.

As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions handed down by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.

And as they went on their way through the cities, they delivered them the decrees to keep which had been ordained of the apostles and elders that were at Jerusalem.

Commentary

Acts 16:4 describes a pivotal moment during Paul's second missionary journey, emphasizing the early church's commitment to unity and sound doctrine. As Paul, Silas, and later Timothy, traveled through various cities, they were not only proclaiming the Gospel but also disseminating the official decisions made by the leading apostles and elders in Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse directly follows the significant event known as the Jerusalem Council, detailed in Acts 15. The council convened to address a critical theological and practical issue: whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be saved. The decision, led by Peter, James, and Paul, affirmed that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the Law (Ephesians 2:8). However, to foster unity and fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers, certain practical guidelines were established, such as abstaining from things offered to idols, from blood, from strangled animals, and from sexual immorality (Acts 15:28-29). Paul and his companions were responsible for delivering these "decrees" (Greek: dogmata, meaning authoritative decisions or ordinances) to the newly established churches, ensuring consistency and adherence to the unified apostolic teaching.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Apostolic Authority and Unity: The verse highlights the importance of unified leadership and authoritative decisions in the early church. The decrees were "ordained of the apostles and elders," signifying a consensus among the church's spiritual leaders in Jerusalem. This established a precedent for maintaining doctrinal purity and structural order across diverse congregations.
  • Gospel Clarity: By distributing these decrees, Paul reinforced the core message that salvation for Gentiles is by faith in Christ, not by adherence to the ceremonial Law. This freedom from legalistic requirements was crucial for the expansion of the Gospel beyond Judaism.
  • Practical Wisdom for Fellowship: While affirming grace, the decrees also provided practical guidelines designed to prevent unnecessary offense and promote harmonious fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians. This demonstrated a balance between theological truth and practical love within the burgeoning Christian community.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "decrees" is dogmata (δόγματα). In this context, it refers to binding decisions or ordinances issued by an authoritative body. It underscores the official, authoritative nature of the resolutions from the Jerusalem Council, which were not merely suggestions but foundational guidelines for Christian conduct and church practice.

Practical Application

Acts 16:4 offers valuable lessons for the church today:

  • Importance of Sound Doctrine: The early church diligently ensured that its teachings were consistent and authoritative. Believers today are called to uphold and disseminate sound doctrine, grounded in Scripture.
  • Unity in Diversity: The decrees fostered unity between different cultural groups within the church. Modern churches are called to navigate diverse backgrounds and perspectives while maintaining essential unity in Christ, often requiring wisdom and compromise on non-essential matters.
  • Accountability and Leadership: The willingness of local churches to receive and abide by the decisions of the apostles and elders underscores the importance of respecting spiritual authority and maintaining accountability within the broader body of Christ.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 15:28 (5 votes)

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

  • Acts 15:29 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Acts 15:2 (3 votes)

    When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

  • Acts 15:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

  • Acts 11:30 (2 votes)

    Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.