Acts 15:28
New International Version
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:

New Living Translation
“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements:

English Standard Version
For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements:

Berean Standard Bible
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:

Berean Literal Bible
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden, except these necessary things:

King James Bible
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

New King James Version
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

New American Standard Bible
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:

NASB 1995
“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:

NASB 1977
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:

Legacy Standard Bible
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:

Amplified Bible
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place on you any greater burden than these essentials:

Christian Standard Bible
For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—to put no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

American Standard Version
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

Contemporary English Version
The Holy Spirit has shown us that we should not place any extra burden on you.

English Revised Version
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Holy Spirit and we have agreed not to place any additional burdens on you. Do only what is necessary

Good News Translation
The Holy Spirit and we have agreed not to put any other burden on you besides these necessary rules:

International Standard Version
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place on you any burden but these essential requirements:

Majority Standard Bible
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:

NET Bible
For it seemed best to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place any greater burden on you than these necessary rules:

New Heart English Bible
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

Webster's Bible Translation
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

Weymouth New Testament
For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no burden heavier than these necessary requirements--

World English Bible
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no more burden on you, except these necessary things:

Berean Literal Bible
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden, except these necessary things:

Young's Literal Translation
'For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, no more burden to lay upon you, except these necessary things:

Smith's Literal Translation
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;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay no further burden upon you than these necessary things:

Catholic Public Domain Version
For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose no further burden upon you, other than these necessary things:

New American Bible
‘It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,

New Revised Standard Version
For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For it is the will of the Holy Spirit and of us, to lay upon you no additional burden than these necessary things;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“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:”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

Godbey New Testament
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no more burden than these necessary things,

Haweis New Testament
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;

Mace New Testament
for by the holy spirit it seemed good to us, to lay no greater burthen upon you, than these necessary injunctions;

Weymouth New Testament
For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no burden heavier than these necessary requirements--

Worrell New Testament
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

Worsley New Testament
For it seemed good to the holy Spirit, and so to us, to lay no more burthen upon you than these necessary things.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Letter to the Gentile Believers
27Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you in person the same things we are writing. 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: 29You 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.…

Cross References
John 16:13
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.

Galatians 5:18
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

1 Corinthians 7:40
In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

Romans 8:14
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

1 John 2:27
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.

1 Corinthians 2:13
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.

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

1 Thessalonians 4:8
Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.

Revelation 2:29
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Isaiah 63:10
But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them.

Ezekiel 36:27
And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.

Jeremiah 31:33
“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.

Joel 2:28
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.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things;

it.

John 16:13
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, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

1 Corinthians 7:25,40
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…

1 Corinthians 14:37
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.

greater.

Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 23:4
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Revelation 2:24
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.

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Burden Except Following Ghost Good Greater Heavier Holy Lay Necessary Requirements Seemed Spirit
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Burden Except Following Ghost Good Greater Heavier Holy Lay Necessary Requirements Seemed Spirit
Acts 15
1. Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.
5. The apostles consult about it,
22. and send their determination by letters to the churches.
36. Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together,
39. disagree, and travel different ways.














It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us
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 Acts 13:2, 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.

not to burden you
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 Matthew 11:28-30, 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.

with anything beyond these essential requirements:
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 (Acts 15:29). 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 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14. The focus on essentials aligns with the broader biblical theme of prioritizing love and unity within the body of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Apostles and Elders
Key leaders in the early church who gathered in Jerusalem to discuss the requirements for Gentile believers.

2. The Jerusalem Council
A significant meeting in the early church where leaders decided on the requirements for Gentile converts.

3. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who guided the decision-making process of the council.

4. Gentile Believers
Non-Jewish converts to Christianity who were the subject of the council's decision.

5. Antioch
The city where the letter containing the council's decision was sent, a major center of early Christianity.
Teaching Points
Guidance of the Holy Spirit
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.

Unity in Diversity
The council's decision highlights the importance of unity within the church, respecting cultural differences while maintaining core Christian beliefs.

Avoiding Unnecessary Burdens
The early church leaders chose not to impose unnecessary burdens on Gentile believers, teaching us to focus on essential doctrines and avoid legalism.

Essential Requirements
The council identified essential requirements for believers, reminding us to discern between essential and non-essential issues in our faith.

Role of Church Leadership
The involvement of apostles and elders in decision-making underscores the importance of godly leadership and accountability in the church.(28) It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us . . .--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.)

To lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.--The words throw light upon the message addressed to the Church of Thyatira, "I will put upon you no other burden" (Revelation 2:24). 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.

Verse 28. - It seemed good, 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 Acts 13:2; Acts 10:19; Galatians 2:1, 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 Acts 15:28 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."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
It seemed good
Ἔδοξεν (Edoxen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.

to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Holy
Ἁγίῳ (Hagiō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

Spirit
Πνεύματι (Pneumati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to us
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

not
μηδὲν (mēden)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3367: No one, none, nothing.

to burden
βάρος (baros)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 922: Probably from the same as basis; weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority.

you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[with anything] beyond
πλέον (pleon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4119: Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.

these
τούτων (toutōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

essential requirements:
ἐπάναγκες (epanankes)
Adverb
Strong's 1876: Necessarily; as subst: necessary things. Neuter of a presumed compound of epi and anagke; on necessity, i.e. Necessarily.


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Acts 15:27
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