For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
Parallel translations
- WEB For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
- KJV For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
- NKJV For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
- NASB For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
- NLT For these laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for many generations.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
James notes that Moses has long been read in every synagogue. Sensitivity to Jewish conscience supported these few requests.
Overview
Because the law of Moses was widely known and revered among Jews everywhere, these abstentions would help preserve harmony between Jewish and Gentile believers. The guidance was pastoral, fostering unity in mixed congregations. It shows the council balancing the freedom of grace with loving consideration for fellow believers.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 5
- Acts 13:15After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.”
- Acts 13:27The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.
- 2 Cor 3:14–15But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed.
- Neh 8:1–12At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.
- Luke 4:16Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And when He stood up to read,
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 15:21 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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