King James Version

What Does Acts 21:25 Mean?

Acts 21:25 in the King James Version says “As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that th... — study this verse from Acts chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 21:25 · KJV


Context

23

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

24

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

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.

26

Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

27

And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As touching the Gentiles which believe—The elders clarify that their proposed Jewish vow (v. 23-24) doesn't contradict the Jerusalem Council's decree (Acts 15:20, 29). The four prohibitions—things offered to idols... blood... strangled... fornication—addressed practices particularly offensive to Jewish sensibility, facilitating Jewish-Gentile fellowship without requiring circumcision or full law-observance. The phrase 'we have written and concluded' (ἐπεστείλαμεν κρίναντες, epestéilamen krínantes) emphasizes the settled, authoritative nature of this decision. This verse demonstrates how biblical Christianity maintains core gospel truth while allowing cultural flexibility in non-essential matters.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Jerusalem Council (c. AD 49) had settled the circumcision controversy eight years earlier. These four prohibitions balanced Gentile freedom with Jewish sensitivities, enabling table fellowship that would otherwise be impossible. The elders' reminder showed these principles remained in force.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between essential gospel requirements and culturally-sensitive practices that facilitate fellowship?
  2. What does this passage teach about maintaining doctrinal decisions across time while applying them to new situations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
περὶ1 of 26

touching

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

δὲ2 of 26

As

G1161

but, and, etc

τῶν3 of 26
G3588

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

πεπιστευκότων4 of 26

which believe

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἐθνῶν5 of 26

the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἡμεῖς6 of 26

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἐπεστείλαμεν7 of 26

have written

G1989

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

κρίναντες8 of 26

and concluded

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

μηδὲν9 of 26

no

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

τοιοῦτον10 of 26

such thing

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

τηρεῖν11 of 26

observe

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

αὐτοὺς,12 of 26

that they

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

εἰ13 of 26
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ14 of 26
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φυλάσσεσθαι15 of 26

that they keep

G5442

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

αὐτοὺς,16 of 26

that they

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

τό17 of 26
G3588

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

τε18 of 26

from

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

εἰδωλόθυτον19 of 26

things offered to idols

G1494

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

καὶ20 of 26

and

G2532

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

τό,21 of 26
G3588

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

αἷμα22 of 26

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

καὶ23 of 26

and

G2532

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

πνικτὸν24 of 26

from strangled

G4156

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

καὶ25 of 26

and

G2532

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

πορνείαν26 of 26

from fornication

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry


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 21:25 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 21:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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