King James Version

What Does Acts 15:20 Mean?

Acts 15:20 in the King James Version says “But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 15:20 · KJV

Context

18

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

19

Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

20

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

21

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

22

Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Read Acts 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Jerusalem Council's Decision: This verse records the apostolic decree addressing Gentile believers' relationship to Mosaic Law. The Greek word ἀπέχεσθαι (apechesthai, "abstain") means to hold oneself away from, indicating active avoidance rather than passive non-participation. Four Prohibitions: (1) ἀλισγημάτων τῶν εἰδώλων (alisgēmatōn tōn eidōlōn, "pollutions of idols")—meat offered to idols; (2) πορνείας (porneias, "fornication")—sexual immorality; (3) πνικτοῦ (pniktou, "things strangled")—meat not properly bled; (4) αἵματος (haimatos, "blood")—consuming blood.

Theological Significance: These requirements balance freedom from the Law with sensitivity to Jewish believers. Three of the four relate to Noahic covenant principles (Genesis 9:3-6), suggesting universal moral standards. Practical Wisdom: By requiring only these essentials, the apostles removed barriers to Gentile conversion while maintaining fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers in mixed congregations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Jerusalem Council (circa AD 49-50): This pivotal meeting addressed the fundamental question: Must Gentile converts be circumcised and follow Mosaic Law? The controversy arose when Judaizers from Jerusalem taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1). The council's decision, led by James (Jesus' brother), represented a watershed moment in church history, officially recognizing that salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works of the Law.

Cultural Context: The four prohibitions addressed practices common in Greco-Roman culture but offensive to Jewish sensibilities. Meat sacrificed to idols was sold in markets and served at social gatherings. These requirements enabled table fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians, crucial for church unity in the first century.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did the Jerusalem Council choose these four specific requirements rather than others from Mosaic Law?
  2. How do these prohibitions balance Christian freedom with sensitivity to others' consciences?
  3. What is the relationship between the Noahic covenant and the four requirements listed here?
  4. How does this decision demonstrate the early church's wisdom in distinguishing between essential doctrine and cultural practice?
  5. What principles from this passage should guide modern churches in matters of Christian liberty and unity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 19

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐπιστεῖλαι2 of 19

“that we write”

G1989

to enjoin (by writing), i.e., (genitive case) to communicate by letter (for any purpose)

αὐτοῖς3 of 19

“unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦ4 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπέχεσθαι5 of 19

“that they abstain”

G567

to hold oneself off, i.e., refrain

ἀπό6 of 19

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν7 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀλισγημάτων8 of 19

“pollutions”

G234

(ceremonially) defilement

τῶν9 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰδώλων10 of 19

“of idols”

G1497

an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such

καὶ11 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῆς12 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πορνείας13 of 19

“from fornication”

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

καὶ14 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῦ15 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνικτοῦ16 of 19

“from things strangled”

G4156

throttled, i.e., (neuter concretely) an animal choked to death (not bled)

καὶ17 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἵματος19 of 19

“from blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 15:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 15:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 15:29Revelation 2:20Revelation 2:14Leviticus 3:17Genesis 9:4Acts 21:25

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Acts 15 with CommentaryAll Acts ChaptersComplete Acts QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes