Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:25
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.
25. As touching the Gentiles which believe ] The clause should commence with But, which is expressed in the Greek. The elders, while urging on Paul the course they have described in consideration of Jewish prejudices, are yet careful to distinguish from this the liberty of the Gentiles, and to confirm that liberty, and shew to the Apostle that they were of the same mind as when the council was held (Acts 15), they refer now to the decisions then arrived at.
we have written ] Better (with the Rev. Ver.), we wrote. This is said in reference to the time when the decrees were first published (Act 15:33). The verb used in that account for “write” (Act 15:20) is the same which the elders employ here, and it is not the usual one, shewing that an exact reference is made to the proceedings of the former synod.
and concluded ] Better (with Rev. Ver.), “ giving Judgment.” This word also refers back to Act 15:19, where James then said, “My judgment is, &c.” And although he is not specially named here as the speaker, there must have been one who at this time also gave utterance to the advice of the whole presbytery, and none was more likely to do so than he.
that they observe no such thing, save only ] The oldest texts omit all these words, and they appear merely to be a marginal comment, echoing in part, but with a negative, the language of Act 15:5; Act 15:24. They do not represent any part of the form given in that chapter of the letter of the synod.
that they keep themselves from things offered to idols and from strangled, &c.] The Rev. Ver. makes both the meaning and the English clearer: “ that they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols and from what is strangled, &c.” On the prohibitions and the reasons for them see notes on Act 15:20.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
As touching the Gentiles – In regard to the Gentile converts. It might be expedient for Paul to do what could not be enjoined on the Gentiles. They could not command the Gentile converts to observe those ceremonies, while yet it might be proper, for the sake of peace, that the converts to Christianity from among the Jews should regard them. The conduct of the Christians at Jerusalem in giving this advice, and of Paul in following it, may be easily vindicated. If it be objected, as it has been by infidels, that it looks like double-dealing; that it was designed to deceive the Jews in Jerusalem, and to make them believe that Paul actually conformed to the ceremonial law, when his conduct among the Gentiles showed that he did not, we may reply:
- That the observance of that law was not necessary in order to salvation;
- That it would have been improper to have enjoined its observance on the Gentile converts as necessary, and therefore it was never done;
- That when the Jews urged its observance as necessary to justification and salvation, Paul strenuously opposed this view of it everywhere;
- Yet that, as a matter of expediency, he did not oppose its being observed either by the Jews, or by the converts made among the Jews.
In fact, there is other evidence besides the case before us that Paul himself continued to observe some, at least, of the Jewish rites, and his conduct in public at Jerusalem was in strict accordance with his conduct in other places. See Act 18:18. The sum of the whole matter is this, that when the observance of the Jewish ceremonial law was urged as necessary to justification and acceptance with God, Paul resisted it; when it was demanded that its observance should be enjoined on the Gentiles, he opposed it; in all other cases he made no opposition to it, and was ready himself to comply with it, and willing that others should also.
We have written – Act 15:20, Act 15:29.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 25. As touching the Gentiles] See the notes on Ac 15:1-21, and the additional observations at the end of that chapter. See Clarke on Ac 15:41
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
These ceremonies (after their accomplishment in Christ) not being at all necessary, they were not imposed upon any that received the faith of Christ from amongst the Gentiles, or other nations; only suffered for a while unto the Jews that turned to Christ, for the hardness of their hearts, and inveterate zeal for them.
Things offered to idols, &c.: of these things, See Poole on “Mat 15:29“.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
25. touching the Gentiles . . . wehave written and concluded that they observe no such things,&c.This shows that with all their conciliation to Jewishprejudice, the Church of Jerusalem was taught to adhere to thedecision of the famous council held there (Ac15:19-29).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
As touching the Gentiles which believe,…. This is said, to show that the Jews were not offended with Paul, for not insisting upon the circumcision of the believing Gentiles, and their conformity to the ceremonial law; and to remove an objection that Paul might make, that should he comply with this advice, and the believing Gentiles should hear of it, it might be a stumblingblock and a snare to them; who by his example, might think themselves obliged to regard the law: Beza’s ancient copy adds, “they have nothing to say to thee”; for as it follows,
we have written and concluded; some years ago, at a meeting of the apostles, elders, and brethren at Jerusalem, when Paul was present; and of which he reminds him, to prevent any objection of this kind; where it was unanimously agreed on and determined,
that they observe no such things; as circumcision, and other rites and customs of the law, and particularly the vow of the Nazarite, which Gentiles are free from: hence it is said u,
“Gentiles have no Nazariteship;”
upon which one of the commentators says w, if a Gentile vows Nazariteship, the law of the Nazarite does not fall upon him, he is not obliged to it:
save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, &c. see Ac 15:19.
u Misna Nazir, c. 9. sect. 1. w Bartenora in Misn. Nazir, c. 9. sect. 1.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
We wrote (). First aorist active of , to send to and so to write like our epistle (). Old verb, but in the N.T. only here and Acts 15:20; Heb 13:22. It is the very word used by James in this “judgment” at the Conference (Ac 15:20, ). B D here read from , to send away, to give orders. Wendt and Schuerer object to this as a gloss. Rather is it an explanation by James that he does not refer to the Gentile Christians whose freedom from the Mosaic ceremonial law was guaranteed at the Jerusalem Conference. James himself presided at that Conference and offered the resolution that was unanimously adopted. James stands by that agreement and repeats the main items (four: anything sacrificed to idols, blood, anything strangled, fornication, for discussion see Ac 15) from which they are to keep themselves (direct middle of , indirect command after with accusative, , of general reference). James has thus again cleared the air about the Gentiles who have believed (, perfect active participle genitive plural of ). He asks that Paul will stand by the right of Jewish Christians to keep on observing the Mosaic law. He has put the case squarely and fairly.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Blood. See on ch. Act 14:29.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “As touching the Gentiles which believe,” (peri de ton pepisteukoton ethnon) “And concerning the believing Gentiles.
2) “We have written and concluded,” (hemeis epesteilaman krinsntes) “We have written a conclusion, a j udgement,” a matter resolved in its moral and ethical respects at the Jerusalem council, some eight years previously, Act 15:19-20.
3) “That they observe no such thing,” (phulassesthai autous to) “To guard themselves from such things,” to avoid or abstain from certain things.
4) “Save only that they keep themselves from things,” (autous to te) “Themselves (from) both,” the following things, Act 15:28. This act would therefore not compromise the Gentiles.
5) “Offered to idols,” (eidolothuton) “Idol sacrifices,” things offered up as sacrifices to idols.
6) “And from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication,” (kai haima kai pnikton kai porneian) “Even from blood and a thing strangled (not to eat) and (from) fornication,” guard or keep yourselves aloof, Act 15:29. This shows that the church at Jerusalem was taught to be conciliatory to Jewish prejudice, in accord with the conclusions of the Jerusalem council, recounted in Act 15:1-41.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
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25. And as concerning those which have believed. They add this lest they be thought to go about to take away or call back that liberty which they had granted to the Gentiles, so that they may be burdened with some prejudice. But, in the mean season, they seem to keep the Jews in bondage, from which they set free the Gentiles alone in plain words. I answer, forasmuch as the estate of all was alike, like liberty was granted to both. But there is mention made of the Jews, who were so addicted to their observations and ceremonies, that they would not take to themselves that liberty which they might well challenge. But the apostles did by name provide for the Gentiles, lest the Jews, after their wonted custom, should reject them as profane and unclean, because they were neither circumcised, neither nousled up [educated] in the worship of the law. Moreover, lest I load the paper with a superfluous repetition, let the readers repair unto the fifteenth chapter, ( Act 15:20) where they shall find those things which appertain unto the exposition of this decree.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(25) As touching the Gentiles which believe.See Note on Act. 15:20. St. James, it will be seen, adheres still to the terms of the concordat sanctioned at the council of Jerusalem. He has no desire to withdraw any concession that was then made, and the Judaisers who in Galatia and elsewhere were, in his name, urging the necessity of circumcision, were acting without authority. He thinks it fair to call on St. Paul to show that he too adheres to the compact, and has no wish to disparage the customs of the Law. St Paul, it will be seen, readily acts upon the suggestion. All promised well; but an interruption came from an unexpected quarter and overturned what seemed so wisely planned in the interests of peace.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
25. We have written The elders here refer to the decree of the Jerusalem Council, (Act 15:28-29,) in order to show that not even this compliance would be necessary for Paul’s Gentile attendants, or for any other Gentiles.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
“But as touching the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote, giving judgment that they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication.”
The repetition of these stipulations may well have resulted from something said by Paul, for the elders then immediately assured Paul that they did not expect this of Gentiles. Indeed they had written to all believing Gentiles that all that was expected of them was to keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication, just as had been decided earlier in Jerusalem (see on chapter 15). It would appear from this that they had circulated the decree wherever they knew of Gentile Christians being present. All that was asked of Christian Gentiles was that they would make it possible for pious Jewish Christians to have fellowship with them by avoiding the eating of blood, and that they would avoid all attachment to idolatry and sexual misbehaviour.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Act 21:25 . “Yet the liberty of the Gentile Christians from the Mosaic law remains thereby undiminished; that is secured by our decree” (chap. 15). The object of this remark is to obviate a possible scruple of the apostle as to the adoption of the proposal.
(see the critical remarks), we , on our part, have despatched envoys, after we had resolved that they have to observe no such thing (nothing which belongs to the category of such legal enactments). The notion of (see Lobeck, ad Phryn . p. 753 ff.; Schoem. ad Is . p. 397 f.) is implied in the reference of ( necessarium esse censuimus ). Comp. Act 21:21 .
. . .] except that they should guard themselves from , etc. See Act 15:28 . On ( or , to guard oneself from , comp. 2Ti 4:15 ; Wis 1:11 ; Sir 19:9 ; Herod. i. 108, vii. 130.
This citation of the decree of the apostolic synod told Paul what was long since accurately known to him, but was here essentially pertinent to the matter. And for Paul himself that portion of the contents of the decree which was in itself indifferent was important enough, in view of those whose consciences were weak (1Co 8:1 ff.; Rom 14:1 ff.), to make him receive this reminiscence of it now without an express reservation of his higher and freer standpoint, and of his apostolic independence, a course by which he complied with the , Rom 12:11 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
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.
Ver. 25. And from fornication ] See Trapp on “ Act 15:20 “
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
25. ] See ch. Act 15:28-29 .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 21:25 . , cf. reading in [360] text, but in any case is emphatic, intimating that St. James and the Church at Jerusalem could not condemn St. Paul’s attitude towards Gentile Christians, since they had themselves consented to place these Gentile Christians on a different footing from that of the born Jews who became Christians. , see critical note, cf. Act 15:20 (Zckler). ., see critical note. Wendt with Schrer objects to the whole reference to the Apostolic Conference, and sees in the verse the hand of a Redactor, as in Act 16:4 (see note, p. 346, edit. 1899). But the reference may well imply that St. James on his part was quite prepared to adhere to the compact entered into at the Conference with regard to Gentile Christians, and that he expects St. Paul on his side to show that he has no desire to disparage the law in the eyes of Jewish Christians.
[360] R(omana), in Blass, a first rough copy of St. Luke.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
touching. Greek. peri. App-104.
have written = wrote.
and concluded = having decided. Greek. krino. App-122.
that they . . . only. The texts omit.
things offered, &c. = that which is offered, &c. Greek. eidolothutos. See note on Act 15:29.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
25.] See ch. Act 15:28-29.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 21:25. , the Gentiles) In antithesis to the Jews and Paul himself. By parity of reasoning, this equally appertained to the Jews, excepting the condition of that time [i.e. the Jews had always observed these precepts, whereas they were then for the first time imposed on the Gentiles].-) we ourselves.- ) The intervening words, , , savour of a paraphrase. The old authorities have not the words.[125]
[125] Hence the shorter reading, although declared in the larger Ed. to be the weaker reading, is reckoned by the margin of Ed. 2 among those better established; and the Germ. Vers. expresses, no doubt, that paraphrase, but encloses it in brackets.-E. B.
The words are supported by CDEde as well as by the Rec. Text. But AB Vulg. Memph. Theb. Syr. omit them.-E. and T.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
we have: Act 15:20, Act 15:29
Reciprocal: Eze 33:25 – Ye eat Act 15:23 – brethren 1Co 8:1 – touching 1Co 9:21 – them 1Ti 4:4 – and Rev 2:14 – eat
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
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Act 21:25. This refers to Act 15:23-29.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 21:25. As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing. James and the Jerusalem elders were carefulafter they had advised Paul to assist these poor Nazarites, and to associate himself as one zealous for the law of Moses with them in their vow of asceticismto repeat that they had no desire whatever to interfere with that perfect liberty of action, and freedom from all the restraints of the law of Moses, which had already, in a solemn apostolic conclave at Jerusalem, been conceded to Gentile Christians: none of these austere practices like the Nazarites vow were to be expected from any except a born Jew and then James proceeded to enumerate the four points in a way connected with the Mosaic law, but which really belonged to a far broader and more solemn code. See notes on chap, 15, and Excursus following that chapter.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
See notes on verse 18
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Verse 25
We have written and concluded, &c.; on the occasion of the council, as recorded Acts 15:15-29:
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
James and the elders repeated their former conviction regarding the instruction of Gentile converts. This was simply a point of clarification designed to emphasize that the decision of the Jerusalem Council still stood (cf. Act 15:20; Act 15:29). Their counsel to Paul on this occasion did not contradict their strong commitment to salvation by grace.