What does Acts 15:21 mean?

"For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day." - Acts 15:21

"For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day." - Acts 15:21

The verse Acts 15:21 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day." This verse comes from the New Testament book of Acts, which chronicles the activities of the early Christian church following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The context of Acts 15:21 is a significant meeting of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem to address the issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity should be required to follow Jewish customs, such as circumcision and observing the Mosaic law. The apostle Peter, along with Paul and Barnabas, had testified to the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit without adherence to these customs, and the apostle James made the decision that Gentiles should not be burdened with these requirements. Instead, they were only to abstain from idolatry, sexual immorality, and consuming blood.

In Acts 15:21, James explains his decision by referring back to the teaching and practice of the Jewish law as preached by Moses. He asserts that the message of the Mosaic law is being proclaimed and upheld by Jewish teachers in every city, as evidenced by the fact that the law is publicly read in the synagogues every sabbath day. This suggests that the Gentile converts would have opportunities to hear and learn about the principles of the Mosaic law and the Jewish heritage, while not being required to adhere to the more burdensome aspects of the law.

The verse has several layers of meaning and significance. First, it speaks to the delicate balance the early church was trying to strike between the Jewish and Gentile components of the Christian community. There was a recognition of the Jewish heritage of Christianity, and the continuity of the teaching and values of the Mosaic law in the emerging Christian faith. At the same time, there was also a desire to incorporate and welcome Gentile converts into the Christian community without imposing unnecessary barriers.

The verse also highlights the ongoing relevance and authority of the Mosaic law in the early Christian context. Despite the debates and controversies surrounding the application of the law to the Gentile converts, the apostles and elders acknowledged the enduring significance of the law in shaping the ethical and moral framework of the Christian faith. Even as the Gentile believers were not required to observe the Jewish customs, they were expected to respect and uphold the moral principles of the law.

Moreover, Acts 15:21 offers insights into the early Christian practice of gathering and worshiping in the synagogues. The reference to the Mosaic law being read in the synagogues every sabbath day indicates the close relationship between the early Christian community and the Jewish traditions. It suggests that the early Christians were still participating in and engaging with the synagogue gatherings, and that the teaching of the Mosaic law continued to be a significant influence on the early Christian believers.

Symbolically, Acts 15:21 represents the harmonious integration of the Jewish and Gentile aspects of the early Christian community. The verse emphasizes the common foundation of the Mosaic law that shaped the ethical and moral values of the early Christians, even as they navigated the complexities of their diverse backgrounds and cultures. It also underscores the importance of dialogue, understanding, and inclusivity in building a unified and diverse Christian community.

In conclusion, Acts 15:21 in the KJV version encapsulates the dynamic and multi-faceted nature of the early Christian church, as it grappled with the intersection of Jewish and Gentile traditions. The verse highlights the ongoing significance of the Mosaic law in shaping the ethical and moral framework of the Christian faith, and it signifies the inclusive and integrative spirit of the early Christian community.

Have questions about Acts 15:21?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Acts 15:21 Artwork

Acts 15:21 - "For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day."

Acts 15:21 - "For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day."

"For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day." - Acts 15:21

"For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day." - Acts 15:21

Acts 21:15 - "And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem."

Acts 21:15 - "And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem."

2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"

2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"

1 Samuel 21:10-15

1 Samuel 21:10-15

"And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem." - Acts 21:15

"And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem." - Acts 21:15

"¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?" - 2 Kings 15:21

"¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?" - 2 Kings 15:21

Acts 15:15 - "And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,"

Acts 15:15 - "And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,"

acts 15

acts 15

Acts 1:21-23

Acts 1:21-23

Acts 1:21-22

Acts 1:21-22

Acts 17:15

Acts 17:15

Acts 21:5-6

Acts 21:5-6

Acts 1:21-22

Acts 1:21-22

"And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written," - Acts 15:15

"And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written," - Acts 15:15

Acts 21:36 - "For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him."

Acts 21:36 - "For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him."

Acts 15:34 - "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."

Acts 15:34 - "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."


Luke 15:21

Luke 15:21

Luke 15:21

Luke 15:21

Genesis 15:21

Genesis 15:21

Exodus 15:21

Exodus 15:21

Genesis 21-15

Genesis 21-15

put on a scroll acts 15:29

put on a scroll acts 15:29

2 Kings 15:15 - "And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."

2 Kings 15:15 - "And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."

Acts 21:21 - "And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs."

Acts 21:21 - "And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs."

Acts 15:31 - "Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation."

Acts 15:31 - "Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation."

Acts 15:6 - "¶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter."

Acts 15:6 - "¶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter."

Acts 26:21 - "For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me."

Acts 26:21 - "For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me."

Acts 21:17 - "And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly."

Acts 21:17 - "And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly."

Acts 11:21 - "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."

Acts 11:21 - "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."