Acts 15:21 – “For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of James’ speech at the Jerusalem Council, where church leaders were discussing whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish laws, particularly circumcision, to be saved. James had just proposed that Gentiles should be encouraged to abstain from a few specific practices (Acts 15:20) but should not be required to follow the entire Law of Moses.

Now, in Acts 15:21, James gives a reason for these instructions. He points out that the Law of Moses had been preached for generations in synagogues throughout the Roman world. In other words, Jewish believers were still hearing the law read and taught every Sabbath. This means that Gentile believers needed to be mindful of the strong Jewish presence in the church and the cultural and religious background of their Jewish brothers and sisters.

This was a practical way to encourage unity in the church. James was not saying that Gentiles needed to follow the entire Mosaic Law, but he was acknowledging that Jewish Christians would still be deeply connected to it. To maintain peace and avoid unnecessary conflict, it was wise for Gentile Christians to avoid practices that were especially offensive to Jews.

Historical Context

At the time of the early church, Jewish believers still participated in synagogue worship. Every Sabbath, the Torah (the first five books of the Bible, which contain the Law of Moses) was read and studied in synagogues throughout the Roman Empire. Many Jewish Christians had been raised under these teachings and still considered them part of their identity.

Gentile believers, on the other hand, had no background in the Law of Moses. They came from pagan cultures where idol worship and immoral practices were common. When they became Christians, they were not expected to adopt Jewish customs, but they were encouraged to respect the convictions of Jewish believers.

The church was growing rapidly, and Gentile believers were beginning to outnumber Jewish believers. This could have led to division and misunderstanding between the two groups. By asking Gentiles to be mindful of certain Jewish sensitivities, the church leaders were promoting peace and unity.

This was a practical solution to a cultural and religious conflict. It ensured that Jewish Christians would not be offended, and it allowed Gentile believers to live in a way that promoted harmony in the church.

Theological Implications

1. Christian Unity Requires Sensitivity – James’ statement reminds us that believers should be aware of the cultural and religious backgrounds of others. Unity in the church means being willing to set aside personal freedoms for the sake of others (Romans 14:13-15).
2. The Gospel Transcends Cultural Differences – Salvation is by faith in Jesus, not by following the Law of Moses. However, Christians are still called to be considerate of different backgrounds (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
3. God’s Law Reveals His Character – Even though Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, it still teaches valuable principles about holiness, morality, and God’s expectations for His people (Matthew 5:17-18).
4. The Early Church Valued Scripture – James’ reference to the public reading of the Law shows that early believers prioritized Scripture as a guiding authority in their lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Literary Analysis

Acts 15:21 serves as a concluding statement to James’ speech. It provides context for why the church should ask Gentiles to abstain from certain practices.

• “For the law of Moses has been preached in every city” – This acknowledges that Jewish teachings were widely known, even outside of Israel.
• “From the earliest times” – This emphasizes the long-standing influence of Jewish teachings, reinforcing the importance of being respectful of Jewish customs.
• “Read in the synagogues on every Sabbath” – This highlights that Jewish Christians were still deeply connected to the law and that their faith traditions should be considered in church decisions.

This verse does not contradict the council’s decision that salvation is through faith in Jesus alone (Acts 15:11). Instead, it reinforces the need for wisdom and sensitivity in how believers interact with one another.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 – Paul explains that believers should avoid causing others to stumble, even if they have freedom in Christ.
• Romans 14:19-21 – Paul teaches that Christians should pursue peace and build up one another, avoiding actions that cause unnecessary offense.
• 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 – Paul describes how he adapts to different cultural backgrounds in order to win people to Christ.
• Matthew 5:17-18 – Jesus affirms the Law of Moses but also teaches that He came to fulfill it.
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Acts 15:21 reminds us that our personal freedom in Christ should be balanced with love and sensitivity toward others.

In today’s world, Christians come from many different backgrounds—some from strict religious traditions and others from secular or non-religious lifestyles. While we are free in Christ, we should be careful not to act in ways that unnecessarily offend or create barriers for others.

For example, in some cultures, certain foods, styles of dress, or customs carry strong religious or moral significance. While these things may not be inherently sinful, it may be wise to avoid them out of respect for others.

This verse also reminds us of the importance of Scripture. The early church recognized that God’s Word should shape their decisions and behavior. Today, we should be just as committed to studying the Bible and applying its teachings to our lives.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in this verse because He cares about unity in His family. He does not want unnecessary divisions among His people. Instead, He calls believers to live in harmony and consider one another’s needs (Philippians 2:3-4).

God’s love is also seen in His patience with different backgrounds. He understands that people come from various cultures and experiences, and He calls His people to extend grace and understanding to one another.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus Came to Fulfill the Law – Jesus did not abolish the Law of Moses but fulfilled its purpose, making a way for all people—Jews and Gentiles—to be saved by faith (Matthew 5:17).
• Jesus Prayed for Unity – In John 17:20-23, Jesus prayed that His followers would be united, just as the Jerusalem Council sought to bring unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.
• Jesus Set the Example of Humility – Jesus willingly laid down His rights to serve others (Philippians 2:5-8). This is the same attitude James is encouraging in the church.
• Jesus Taught Love as the Highest Command – The most important commandment is to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Respecting different backgrounds is part of living out this command.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach us about the importance of being sensitive to others in the church?
2. Are there any personal freedoms that you might need to adjust for the sake of unity with other believers?
3. How can we apply the principle of avoiding unnecessary offense in our relationships today?
4. Why is it important to study Scripture regularly, as the early church did?
5. How does this passage challenge us to be more intentional about building unity in the body of Christ?

Acts 15:21 reminds us that while salvation is by grace through faith alone, Christian unity requires wisdom, love, and sensitivity. The early church was committed to making decisions based on God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, and we should do the same today. By putting love first and being mindful of how our actions affect others, we reflect the heart of Jesus and help build a stronger, united church.