King James Version

What Does Acts 15:29 Mean?

Acts 15:29 in the King James Version says “That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which... — study this verse from Acts chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 15:29 · KJV


Context

27

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. mouth: Gr. word

28

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

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.

30

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

31

Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. consolation: or, exhortation


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The council requires abstention from 'meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication.' These prohibitions aren't salvific requirements but practical wisdom for Jewish-Gentile fellowship. Three relate to food laws (idolatry, blood, strangling), one to sexual morality. The letter promises 'ye shall do well,' not 'ye shall be saved' - distinguishing justification from sanctification.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These restrictions addressed major cultural barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Jews considered eating blood or idol meat abominable, while sexual immorality was common in pagan culture. These minimal concessions facilitated unity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Christians exercise freedom while not causing others to stumble?
  2. What's the difference between gospel essentials and matters of conscience?
  3. How should love for others limit our Christian liberty?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀπέχεσθαι1 of 15

That ye abstain

G567

to hold oneself off, i.e., refrain

εἰδωλοθύτων2 of 15

from meats offered to idols

G1494

an image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering

καὶ3 of 15

and

G2532

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

αἵματος4 of 15

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

καὶ5 of 15

and

G2532

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

πνικτοῦ6 of 15

from things strangled

G4156

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

καὶ7 of 15

and

G2532

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

πορνείας8 of 15

from fornication

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

ἐξ9 of 15

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὧν10 of 15

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

διατηροῦντες11 of 15

if ye keep

G1301

to watch thoroughly, i.e., (positively and transitively) to observe strictly, or (negatively and reflexively) to avoid wholly

ἑαυτοὺς12 of 15

yourselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

εὖ13 of 15

well

G2095

(adverbially) well

πράξετε14 of 15

ye shall do

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

Ἔῤῥωσθε15 of 15

Fare ye well

G4517

probably akin to g4506); to strengthen, i.e., (impersonal passive) have health (as a parting exclamation, good-bye)


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 15:29 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 15:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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