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Acts 15:28
Verse
Context
The Letter to the Gentile Believers
27Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you in person the same things we are writing.28It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: 29You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us - The whole council had met under his direction; had consulted under his influence; and gave forth their decree from his especial inspiration. Necessary things - They were necessary, howsoever burthensome they might appear; and necessary, not only for the time, place, or occasion; but for all times, all places, and all occasions. See this proved in the observations at the end of this chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, &c.--The One, inwardly guiding to and setting His seal on the decision come to: the other, the external ecclesiastical authority devoutly embracing, expressing, and conveying to the churches that decision:--a great principle this for the Church in all time. to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things . . . from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well--The whole language of these prohibitions, and of Act 15:20-21, implies that they were designed as concessions to Jewish feelings on the part of the Gentile converts, and not as things which were all of unchanging obligation. The only cause for hesitation arises from "fornication" being mixed up with the other three things; which has led many to regard the whole as permanently prohibited. But the remarks on Act 15:20 may clear this (see on Act 15:20). The then state of heathen society in respect of all the four things seems the reason for so mixing them up.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us,.... By various things they had reason doubtless to conclude, that they were under the influence and direction of the Holy Ghost in this affair; as by the spirit of prayer that was among them; by that power and energy with which many of them spoke on this occasion, and that so agreeable to the word of God; and by that unanimity with which they came into the advice given. With respect to the form here used, compare Ch1 13:2 and the Targum on it, which renders the words thus; "if it be beautiful before you, and acceptable before the Lord, let us send, &c.'' It follows here, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; not that they were necessary to salvation, but necessary to secure the peace of the churches, and at least were necessary, at that present time; and therefore since it appeared to be necessary to enjoin them for the present, they hoped they would not refuse to bear them; and especially, since, though they must own they were burdens, and a part of the yoke of bondage, yet they were not many, nor very heavy, and for the future they should lay no other, nor more upon them; and what they did, was to prevent any other or greater burden to be laid; and so the Syriac version renders it, "lest any more, or greater burden should be laid upon you."
Acts 15:28
The Letter to the Gentile Believers
27Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you in person the same things we are writing.28It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: 29You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Power of True Religion: Power Over Us
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K55:24True ReligionISA 1:11ACT 8:29ACT 15:28ACT 16:7HEB 12:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of true religion and the power it holds. He discusses the three ways in which the power of true religion manifests itself: the power of God over us, the power of God in us, and the power of God through us. The speaker urges believers to not only believe in God but to also experience the power of God in their lives and exemplify it to the world. He encourages listeners to remove anything in their lives that hinders the expression of God's power in salvation.
Acts 11 - James
By Stephen Kaung1.2K1:12:26ACT 15:21ACT 15:24ACT 15:28ACT 15:36ACT 15:41ACT 16:5In this sermon, the minister begins by praising the Lord and asking for His guidance and revelation through His word. The sermon focuses on the formation of the body of Christ according to the divine design. The minister references the book of Acts, specifically chapters 6 to 15, which highlight the formative years of the body of Christ. He emphasizes the period of conflict that the body of Christ went through in order to become a vessel fit for the Master's use. The minister also prays for the congregation to rise above earthly and man-made influences and to be united in love, faith, and knowledge of the Son of God.
Acts 15_pt2
By Bill Gallatin7801:10:17ExpositionalJER 31:3ACT 15:19ACT 15:282TI 4:52TI 4:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses Paul's last letter and his instructions to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy to watch in all things, endure afflictions, and do the work of an evangelist. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing one's faith and inviting others to church. Paul also expresses his readiness to be offered and his anticipation of departing to glory. The speaker highlights the freedom and joy in serving Jesus Christ and the need to function under the calling that God has enabled us to serve Him. The sermon also touches on the decision made by the early church in Jerusalem regarding the Gentiles and the importance of not troubling them. The speaker emphasizes that despite human weaknesses and mistakes, God can still use us and work all things to the good. The sermon concludes with a reminder to feed the flock of God willingly and not to lord over God's heritage.
(Through the Bible) Acts - Part 2
By Zac Poonen52854:20ACT 10:34ACT 11:24ACT 13:2ACT 15:28ACT 18:26ACT 19:6ACT 20:28ACT 21:14ACT 24:16ACT 27:22ACT 28:30This sermon delves into the Acts of the Apostles, highlighting the spread of the Word of God to the Gentiles, the importance of witnessing in various regions, the significance of prayer and devotion like Cornelius, the need for personal salvation experience to share the Gospel, the role of surrender and obedience in God's plan, the value of building the local church, the diverse ways the Holy Spirit works, the importance of humility and example in leadership, and the faithfulness and perseverance of a servant of God like Paul.
Taking Mary's Posture
By Thaddeus Barnum44225:06Virgin MaryMAT 6:33LUK 1:35ACT 1:8ACT 15:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to have a posture of readiness to receive the word of God. He highlights the importance of being sealed with the Holy Spirit, who testifies of Jesus through us. The preacher emphasizes that God uses ordinary people to bear witness of Jesus and that our testimony should be rooted in the authority of Scripture. He also urges believers to stand strong in the face of a changing culture and to not be ashamed of the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Love of the Spirit
By Michael Koulianos3345:52Holy SpiritThe Love of the Holy SpiritIntimacy With GodPSA 51:11ISA 34:16JHN 15:7ACT 15:28ROM 5:5ROM 8:261CO 6:17GAL 5:22EPH 4:301JN 4:16Michael Koulianos emphasizes the profound love of the Holy Spirit, highlighting that without the Spirit, life would lack joy, faithfulness, and divine connection. He explains that understanding the Holy Spirit as God enhances the beauty of His love for us, urging believers to cultivate intimacy with Him. Koulianos shares personal testimonies and insights on how the Holy Spirit gathers and unites believers, encouraging a collective pursuit of God's presence. He stresses the importance of abiding in the Spirit to experience God's love and to ask for what aligns with His will. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, which is essential for experiencing and sharing God's love.
The Working of the Holy Spirit
By Michael Koulianos2913:11Holy SpiritThe Role of the Holy SpiritTransformation into Christ's LikenessISA 11:2MAT 10:20LUK 4:1JHN 3:34JHN 14:26JHN 15:26ACT 15:28ROM 8:291CO 2:10GAL 5:22Michael Koulianos emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in revealing Jesus to believers and transforming them into His likeness. He explains that God's primary goal is not just to use us but to shape our character to reflect Christ, which often involves enduring trials and long suffering. The Holy Spirit is described as the Spirit of the Father and the Spirit of Jesus, guiding and teaching us in truth, and helping us navigate life's challenges. Koulianos encourages the congregation to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and to foster a deep relationship with Him, as He is essential for understanding truth and living a Christ-like life.
Marriage of Clergy
By J.H. Newman0MAT 19:11MRK 7:7ACT 15:281CO 7:25COL 2:201TI 3:2J.H. Newman preaches about the lack of command by God's law for Bishops, Priests, and Deacons to vow the estate of single life or abstain from marriage. The observance of clerical celibacy is based on the Church's rule or vow, not on God's law. The English Church allows clergy to marry at their discretion, recognizing the wisdom in granting them this choice. The Church has the authority to alter ecclesiastical decrees and orders for just cause, as exemplified by Christ and the Apostles in changing certain practices. Newman emphasizes the importance of not being bound to man-made orders or decrees in religion, but having the authority to change them when necessary.
The Grace to Be Wrong
By Jack Hayford0PRO 11:14ACT 15:281CO 7:6EPH 4:2PHP 2:32PE 3:15Jack Hayford emphasizes the importance of believers having grace towards one another, allowing room for imperfections and the willingness to be wrong in perspective while being right in purpose. He shares instances where this grace was needed in ministry consultations, interviews, and counseling sessions. Hayford highlights the early Church's approach of seeking wisdom and consensus before making decisions, showing a non-authoritarian and humble attitude. He encourages a teachable spirit, acknowledging the value of receiving wisdom from others and being open to modifying personal inclinations within the community of believers.
The Life Under Grace
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ACT 15:28ACT 21:25ROM 3:21ROM 10:4ROM 13:14ROM 14:17GAL 2:4GAL 5:1GAL 5:5GAL 6:14EPH 2:10PHP 1:9PHP 4:8Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the distinction between the teachings of grace and the law, emphasizing that grace provides a perfect salvation and instruction for the daily life of believers. He explains that the teachings of grace are a particular revelation from God to Christians only, separate from any other rule of life found in the Bible. Chafer highlights the importance of understanding and following the teachings of grace, as they are essential for living a life well-pleasing to God and avoiding the errors of legalism. He warns against the dangers of mixing law and grace, illustrating through the apostle Paul's example that believers are to be governed solely by the teachings of grace, which exclude the principles of the law.
Transfiguration in the Holy Spirit
By St. Seraphim of Sarov0PSA 35:8PRO 8:9MAT 15:16MRK 9:23JHN 14:21JHN 16:33ACT 15:28ROM 14:17PHP 4:71TI 2:4St. Seraphim of Sarov explains to a seeker how to know if one is in the grace of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine knowledge filled with love for God and others. He describes the manifestations of the Spirit of God, such as peace, joy, and warmth, that one can experience when in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. St. Seraphim encourages the seeker to remember and share the mercy and grace of God with others, highlighting the need for faith, love, and service to God and fellow believers.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us - The whole council had met under his direction; had consulted under his influence; and gave forth their decree from his especial inspiration. Necessary things - They were necessary, howsoever burthensome they might appear; and necessary, not only for the time, place, or occasion; but for all times, all places, and all occasions. See this proved in the observations at the end of this chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, &c.--The One, inwardly guiding to and setting His seal on the decision come to: the other, the external ecclesiastical authority devoutly embracing, expressing, and conveying to the churches that decision:--a great principle this for the Church in all time. to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things . . . from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well--The whole language of these prohibitions, and of Act 15:20-21, implies that they were designed as concessions to Jewish feelings on the part of the Gentile converts, and not as things which were all of unchanging obligation. The only cause for hesitation arises from "fornication" being mixed up with the other three things; which has led many to regard the whole as permanently prohibited. But the remarks on Act 15:20 may clear this (see on Act 15:20). The then state of heathen society in respect of all the four things seems the reason for so mixing them up.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us,.... By various things they had reason doubtless to conclude, that they were under the influence and direction of the Holy Ghost in this affair; as by the spirit of prayer that was among them; by that power and energy with which many of them spoke on this occasion, and that so agreeable to the word of God; and by that unanimity with which they came into the advice given. With respect to the form here used, compare Ch1 13:2 and the Targum on it, which renders the words thus; "if it be beautiful before you, and acceptable before the Lord, let us send, &c.'' It follows here, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; not that they were necessary to salvation, but necessary to secure the peace of the churches, and at least were necessary, at that present time; and therefore since it appeared to be necessary to enjoin them for the present, they hoped they would not refuse to bear them; and especially, since, though they must own they were burdens, and a part of the yoke of bondage, yet they were not many, nor very heavy, and for the future they should lay no other, nor more upon them; and what they did, was to prevent any other or greater burden to be laid; and so the Syriac version renders it, "lest any more, or greater burden should be laid upon you."