Commentaries:
People's Commentary (NT)
Acts 15:20
That they abstain. Four items are mentioned, which are all embraced
in the apostolic letter as things forbidden. They were four common
customs of the Gentile world, and matters on which there should be a
clear understanding.
From the pollutions of idols. The first does not mean only to
refrain from worshiping idols, or eating meat offered in idol
sacrifice, but from all the pollutions of the system of idolatry.
Licentiousness and drunkenness received a sanction from religion. See
Lecky's "European Morals", chap. V., and Conybeare and Howson's "Paul",
chap. IV.
[From] fornication. Chastity was the exception instead of the rule
among Gentiles at this period.
[From] things strangled. Because in strangling the blood was
retained in the flesh.
[From] blood. The use of blood was prohibited by the Mosaic law
(Leviticus 17:14 De 12:16,23), and for wise reasons this prohibition was
extended to Gentiles. The Roman epicures were wont to drown fowls in
wine and then use the flesh. It was a common thing to drink wine
mingled with blood. The only way to strike at these savage practices
was to prohibit its use.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Acts 15:20
Acts 21:20-22
Galatians 2:2
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