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Acts 15:28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:

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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />&#8220;For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden, except these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />&#8220; <HL>For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place on you any greater burden than these essentials:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it was the Holy Spirit&#8217;s decision&#8212;and ours&#8212;not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it was the Holy Spirit&#8217s decision&#8212;and ours&#8212;to put no greater burden on you than these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The Holy Spirit has shown us that we should not place any extra burden on you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/15.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />The Holy Spirit and we have agreed not to place any additional burdens on you. Do only what is necessary<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The Holy Spirit and we have agreed not to put any other burden on you besides these necessary rules: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place on you any burden but these essential requirements: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For it seemed best to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place any greater burden on you than these necessary rules:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no burden heavier than these necessary requirements--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things: <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no more burden on you, except these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden, except these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, no more burden to lay upon you, except these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For it seemed fitting to the Holy Spirit, and to us, for no more burden to be put upon you but the necessities of these;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay no further burden upon you than these necessary things: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose no further burden upon you, other than these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />&#8216;It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For it is the will of the Holy Spirit and of us, to lay upon you no additional burden than these necessary things;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />&#8220;For it was the will of The Spirit of Holiness and also of us that we would not put upon you a burden greater than those things which are necessary:&#8221;<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no more burden than these necessary things,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no other burden except these things which are of absolute necessity;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for by the holy spirit it seemed good to us, to lay no greater burthen upon you, than these necessary injunctions;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no burden heavier than these necessary requirements--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For it seemed good to the holy Spirit, and <i>so</i> to us, to lay no more burthen upon you than these necessary <i>things.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/15-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5076" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/15.htm">The Letter to the Gentile Believers</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">27</span>Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you in person the same things we are writing. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/1380.htm" title="1380: Edoxen (V-AIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.">It seemed good</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: t&#333; (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: t&#333; (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: Hagi&#333; (Adj-DNS) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">Holy</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: h&#275;min (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">to us</a> <a href="/greek/3367.htm" title="3367: m&#275;den (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">not</a> <a href="/greek/2007.htm" title="2007: epitithesthai (V-PNP) -- To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose."></a> <a href="/greek/922.htm" title="922: baros (N-ANS) -- Probably from the same as basis; weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority.">to burden</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/4119.htm" title="4119: pleon (Adj-ANS-C) -- Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.">with anything beyond</a> <a href="/greek/4133.htm" title="4133: pl&#275;n (Prep) -- However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tout&#333;n (DPro-GNP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: t&#333;n (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1876.htm" title="1876: epanankes (Adv) -- Necessarily; as subst: necessary things. Neuter of a presumed compound of epi and anagke; on necessity, i.e. Necessarily.">essential requirements:</a> </span> <span class="reftext">29</span>You 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.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a></span><br />However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-18.htm">Galatians 5:18</a></span><br />But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-40.htm">1 Corinthians 7:40</a></span><br />In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-14.htm">Romans 8:14</a></span><br />For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-27.htm">1 John 2:27</a></span><br />And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">1 Corinthians 2:13</a></span><br />And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-17.htm">2 Corinthians 3:17</a></span><br />Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-30.htm">Ephesians 4:30</a></span><br />And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-8.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:8</a></span><br />Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-29.htm">Revelation 2:29</a></span><br />He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-10.htm">Isaiah 63:10</a></span><br />But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-27.htm">Ezekiel 36:27</a></span><br />And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a></span><br />&#8220;But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-28.htm">Joel 2:28</a></span><br />And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a></span><br />The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him&#8212;the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things;</p><p class="hdg">it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a></b></br> Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, <i>that</i> shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">1 Corinthians 7:25,40</a></b></br> Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">1 Corinthians 14:37</a></b></br> If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.</p><p class="hdg">greater.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/11-30.htm">Matthew 11:30</a></b></br> For my yoke <i>is</i> easy, and my burden is light.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Matthew 23:4</a></b></br> For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay <i>them</i> on men's shoulders; but they <i>themselves</i> will not move them with one of their fingers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/2-24.htm">Revelation 2:24</a></b></br> But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/16-12.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Except</a> <a href="/acts/15-23.htm">Following</a> <a href="/acts/15-8.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/acts/15-25.htm">Good</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/mark/12-40.htm">Heavier</a> <a href="/acts/15-8.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/acts/12-3.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/luke/1-6.htm">Requirements</a> <a href="/acts/15-25.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/acts/15-8.htm">Spirit</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/21-3.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/acts/17-21.htm">Except</a> <a href="/acts/16-11.htm">Following</a> <a href="/acts/16-6.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/acts/15-34.htm">Good</a> <a href="/acts/19-32.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Heavier</a> <a href="/acts/16-6.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/acts/18-10.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/romans/2-26.htm">Requirements</a> <a href="/acts/15-34.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/acts/16-6.htm">Spirit</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/15-5.htm">The apostles consult about it,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/15-22.htm">and send their determination by letters to the churches.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/15-39.htm">disagree, and travel different ways.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/acts/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us</b><br>This phrase highlights the unity between divine guidance and human decision-making. The early church leaders, including the apostles and elders, sought the Holy Spirit's direction in resolving the issue of whether Gentile converts should follow Jewish law. This reflects the practice of seeking God's will in decision-making, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2</a>, where the Holy Spirit directs the church in Antioch. The phrase underscores the belief that the Holy Spirit actively guides the church, a theme consistent throughout the New Testament.<p><b>not to burden you</b><br>The context here is the Jerusalem Council's decision regarding the requirements for Gentile believers. The leaders chose not to impose the full weight of the Mosaic Law on Gentile converts, recognizing the grace of the New Covenant. This decision reflects Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a>, where He invites those who are burdened to find rest in Him. The early church sought to avoid placing unnecessary obstacles in the path of new believers, emphasizing the sufficiency of faith in Christ for salvation.<p><b>with anything beyond these essential requirements:</b><br>The "essential requirements" refer to the specific instructions given to Gentile believers, which included abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, blood, meat of strangled animals, and sexual immorality (<a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Acts 15:29</a>). These requirements were chosen to promote unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians and to avoid practices that were particularly offensive to Jewish believers. This decision reflects the early church's effort to balance freedom in Christ with sensitivity to cultural and religious backgrounds, as seen in Paul's teachings in <a href="/1_corinthians/8.htm">1 Corinthians 8</a> and <a href="/romans/14.htm">Romans 14</a>. The focus on essentials aligns with the broader biblical theme of prioritizing love and unity within the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_apostles_and_elders.htm">The Apostles and Elders</a></b><br>Key leaders in the early church who gathered in Jerusalem to discuss the requirements for Gentile believers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jerusalem_council.htm">The Jerusalem Council</a></b><br>A significant meeting in the early church where leaders decided on the requirements for Gentile converts.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The third person of the Trinity, who guided the decision-making process of the council.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/gentile_believers.htm">Gentile Believers</a></b><br>Non-Jewish converts to Christianity who were the subject of the council's decision.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/antioch.htm">Antioch</a></b><br>The city where the letter containing the council's decision was sent, a major center of early Christianity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guidance_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">Guidance of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The decision of the Jerusalem Council was made under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine guidance in church matters.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a></b><br>The council's decision highlights the importance of unity within the church, respecting cultural differences while maintaining core Christian beliefs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_unnecessary_burdens.htm">Avoiding Unnecessary Burdens</a></b><br>The early church leaders chose not to impose unnecessary burdens on Gentile believers, teaching us to focus on essential doctrines and avoid legalism.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/essential_requirements.htm">Essential Requirements</a></b><br>The council identified essential requirements for believers, reminding us to discern between essential and non-essential issues in our faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_church_leadership.htm">Role of Church Leadership</a></b><br>The involvement of apostles and elders in decision-making underscores the importance of godly leadership and accountability in the church.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_ecumenical_councils.htm">What are Ecumenical Councils?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_conciliarism.htm">What is Conciliarism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/most_accurate_bible_translation.htm">What is the meaning of 'Spirit of the Law'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_synod.htm">What defines a synod?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us . . .</span>--The measure was, the Apostles were persuaded, one of wisdom and charity, and they could not ascribe those gifts to any other source than the Spirit who gives a right judgment in all things. The words have since become almost a formula for the decrees of councils and synods, often used most recklessly when those decrees bore most clearly the marks of human policy and passion. Here we may well admit that the claim was founded on a real inspiration, remembering, however, as we do so, that an inspired commandment does not necessarily involve a permanent obligation. (See Note on next verse.)<p><span class= "bld">To lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.</span>--The words throw light upon the message addressed to the Church of Thyatira, "I will put upon you no other burden" (<a href="/revelation/2-24.htm" title="But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put on you none other burden.">Revelation 2:24</a>). Looking to the prominence in the Epistles to the Seven Churches of the two points of fornication and eating things sacrificed to idols, there can scarcely be the shadow of a doubt that we have in those words a distinct reference to the decree of the Council of Jerusalem. The letter does not say why these things were necessary, and the term was probably chosen as covering alike the views of those who held, like the Pharisee Christians, that they were binding on the Church for ever, and those who, like St. Paul, held that they were necessary only for the time, and as a measure of wise expediency.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">It seemed good</span>, etc. The formula is remarkable. It implies the consciousness on the part of the council that they had "the mind of the Spirit;" but how this mind of the Spirit was communicated we are not expressly told. There may have been some "revelation," similar to that recorded in <a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2</a>; <a href="/acts/10-19.htm">Acts 10:19</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-1.htm">Galatians 2:1</a>, etc. It is, however, generally understood as resting upon Christ's promise to be with his Church always. Hefele ('Hist. of Christian Councils,' pp. 1,2, English translation) quotes Cyprian as writing to Pope Cornelius in the name of the Council of A.D. : "Placuit nobis, Sancto Spiritu suggerente;" and the Synod of Aries as saying, "Placuit, praesenti Spiritu Sancto." And this is the general language of the synods. Constantine claimed for the decrees of the three hundred bishops at Nicaea the same authority as if they had been "solius Filii Dei sententia." But, as Bishop Wordsworth on <a href="/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28</a> wisely says, "It cannot be held that councils of the Church now are entitled to adopt the words of the text in the framing of canons." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/15-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">It seemed good</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7964;&#948;&#959;&#958;&#949;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(Edoxen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1380.htm">Strong's 1380: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#8183;</span> <span class="translit">(t&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Holy</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7945;&#947;&#943;&#8179;</span> <span class="translit">(Hagi&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> </span><span class="str2">Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Spirit</span><br /><span class="grk">&#928;&#957;&#949;&#973;&#956;&#945;&#964;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(Pneumati)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#8054;</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to us</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7969;&#956;&#8150;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(h&#275;min)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">&#956;&#951;&#948;&#8050;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(m&#275;den)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3367.htm">Strong's 3367: </a> </span><span class="str2">No one, none, nothing. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to burden</span><br /><span class="grk">&#946;&#940;&#961;&#959;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(baros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_922.htm">Strong's 922: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably from the same as basis; weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8017;&#956;&#8150;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[with anything] beyond</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#955;&#941;&#959;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(pleon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4119.htm">Strong's 4119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#959;&#973;&#964;&#969;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(tout&#333;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">essential requirements:</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#960;&#940;&#957;&#945;&#947;&#954;&#949;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(epanankes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1876.htm">Strong's 1876: </a> </span><span class="str2">Necessarily; as subst: necessary things. Neuter of a presumed compound of epi and anagke; on necessity, i.e. Necessarily.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/15-28.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/15-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 15:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 15:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/15-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 15:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 15:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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