JERUSALEM COUNSEL

Text: Acts 15:28-29 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)


28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these indispensable requirements:


29 That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from [tasting] blood and from [eating the meat of animals] that have been strangled and from sexual impurity. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell



1 Corinthians 8:1-Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.


2 And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.


3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.


4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.


5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)


6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.


7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.


8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.


9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.


10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;


11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?


12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.


13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.


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14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.


15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.


16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?


17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.


18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?


19 What say I then? That the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything?


20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.


21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.


22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?


23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.


24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.


25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:


26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.


27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.


28 But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:


31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.


32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God.


33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.


20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;


21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.


22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.


23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.