ACTS 15:29

Q: Are these laws binding on Christians today?

 

There are varying opinions:

A. Moral laws are absolutely binding: The longer Western Text of Acts interprets these as idolatry,

 murder, and sexual abominations (Rabbis generally felt that a Jew could disobey any other laws to save

 his life).  But why would these have to be pointed out to Christians?

 

B. Ritual Laws: Abstaining from eating blood and strangled animals (see Leviticus 17:11-12). They were

 prohibited either due to pagan practices or because "life is in the blood" and the life of animal belongs to

 God. Revelation 2:14,20 indicates these were observed by early Christians. Abstaining from blood was 

 also observed in Tertullian's day (3rd cent. AD).

 

Others feel that only the general principles behind the laws need to be observed. See Acts 15:21, 1

 Corinthians 8, and 1 Corinthians 10:25 (on food offered to idols).

 

The second half of verse 29 along with phrases in vv. 23 and 28 shows gentle instruction, not a strict

 official decree. It demonstrates a good pattern for today's spiritual leadership.