Lexical Summary epanagkes: Necessary, Compulsory Original Word: ἐπαναγκαῖς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance necessary. Neuter of a presumed compound of epi and anagke; (adverbially) on necessity, i.e. Necessarily -- necessary. see GREEK epi see GREEK anagke HELPS Word-studies 1876 epánagkes (an adverb, derived from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting" and 318 /anágkē, "necessity") – properly, what seems necessary (suitable), given the particular situation (used only in Ac 15:28). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and anagké Definition necessary, of necessity NASB Translation essentials (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1876: ἐπάναγκεςἐπάναγκες (ἀνάγκη (hence, literally, on compulsion)), necessarily: πλήν τῶν ἐπάναγκες τούτων, besides these things which are necessarily imposed, Acts 15:28 (Buttmann, 27. (24)). (Herodotus, Andocides ( Topical Lexicon Term Overview Strong’s Greek 1876 underscores the idea of what is indispensable or inescapably required. The single New Testament occurrence sets the word within the deliberations of the Jerusalem Council, where the leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit, distinguished between matters that are essential to the gospel and those that are not. Biblical Occurrence Acts 15:28: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:” (Berean Standard Bible). Historical Setting of Acts 15 The Jerusalem Council convened to address tension between Jewish believers who valued the Mosaic Law and Gentile converts who had never lived under it. By the mid-first century, churches in Antioch, Galatia, and beyond faced conflicting teachings that threatened unity (Acts 15:1-5; Galatians 2:4-5). The council sought God’s mind on whether circumcision and full Torah observance should be imposed on Gentiles. Luke records that after testimony, debate, and James’s scriptural appeal (Acts 15:13-18), the assembled apostles and elders crafted a pastoral letter. The inclusion of ἐπάναγκες signaled that the listed items—abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, blood, meat of strangled animals, and sexual immorality—were not arbitrarily chosen concessions but truly necessary for fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers. Theological Significance 1. Harmony of Spirit and Scripture. The phrase “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28) reveals decision-making grounded in both divine guidance and collective discernment. The essentials named in the decree align with Old Testament ethics (Leviticus 17–18) while maintaining gospel freedom (Galatians 5:1). Implications for Christian Liberty • Essentials vs. Preferences. The occurrence reminds believers to discern carefully between doctrines that preserve the gospel and cultural or ceremonial preferences that can be surrendered for the sake of love (Romans 14:13-19). Pastoral Application 1. Teaching Core Doctrine. Congregations are strengthened when leaders articulate what is truly “necessary” for salvation and discipleship, avoiding both legalism and antinomianism. Related Scriptural Themes • Burden-Bearing: Galatians 6:2; Acts 15:10 Summary The lone New Testament appearance of Strong’s Greek 1876 crystallizes a watershed moment in early church history. By marking certain practices as “essential requirements,” the Jerusalem Council preserved gospel purity, safeguarded Christian liberty, and fostered unity across cultural lines. The term continues to guide believers in distinguishing the non-negotiable core of the faith from secondary issues, ensuring that the church remains both free and faithful. Forms and Transliterations επαναγκες επάναγκες ἐπάναγκες epanankes epánankesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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