4th Apr 26 | 21:01
Studies by Book
Abstain from things strangled and from blood
📖 Acts 15:19-21
Acts 15 - Series 1/Episode 72 - Fri, 03rd Apr 2026 - Abstain from things strangled and from blood - Acts 15:01-21 - THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL - Genesis 09:04
Acts 15:19-21 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, (20) but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. (21) For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."
As we examine the items listed by the Jerusalem Council, we must not forget that these are not items for salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus alone.
Gentile believers were now worshipping alongside Jewish believers who had lifelong dietary sensitivities rooted in the Mosaic Law. Eating blood or strangled animals (which retained blood) was deeply offensive to Jews. If Gentiles ignored this, the early church would be troubled, and there could be divisions.
Leviticus 17:10-14 'And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people. (11) For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.' (12) Therefore I said to the children of Israel, 'No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.' (13) "Whatever man of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who hunts and catches any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood and cover it with dust; (14) for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, 'You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off.'
What was the issue in the matter of eating the meat of strangled animals? A strangled animal dies without its blood being drained. Eating such meat meant consuming blood. Genesis 9:4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.
This directive of the Jerusalem Council was necessary for the Gentile believers to respect Jewish conscience, maintain table fellowship, avoid unnecessary offence, and preserve unity in mixed congregations.
The Council did not say that the Gentile believers should do these things to be saved. They worded the decision carefully. Acts 15:28-29 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: (29) that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
This was the practise of apostle Paul. I Corinthians 10:31-33 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (32) Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, (33) just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. / I Corinthians 8:13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
It is the good and profit of all that must be kept in mind in adopting these practises. Our Lord laid down this principle and understanding for us in relation to food. He showed us the priority and significance of things that come from our hearts.
The Jews needed to grasp this truth. Mark 7:14-23 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand: (15) There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. (16) If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!" (17) When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. (18) So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, (19) because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?" (20) And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. (21) For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, (22) thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. (23) All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
Simon Peter had learned this lesson through the vision that he saw and the message that he heard. Acts 10:9-20. Acts 10:15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, *"What God has cleansed you must not call common."
The Gentiles needed to understand that their freedom in Christ should be received in wisdom, and not as an opportunity to gratify the flesh. Galatians 5:13-14 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."