📖 Biblical Definition
The Apostolic Decree is the binding decision issued by the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:19-29, ruling that Gentile converts need not be circumcised or come under the Mosaic ceremonial law. They were charged to abstain from four things: food sacrificed to idols, blood, things strangled, and sexual immorality (porneia). The decree was no compromise but a doctrinal line — justification is by faith in Christ alone, not by works of the law — paired with practical fellowship requirements that protected table communion between Jewish and Gentile believers. Written, sealed, and circulated by Paul and Silas (Acts 15:30; 16:4), it remains the pattern for how the church settles doctrine: in council, by Scripture, under apostolic authority.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The Jerusalem Council's ruling on Gentile inclusion.
expand to see more
The decision of the Jerusalem Council recorded in Acts 15: Gentile converts to Christianity are not required to be circumcised or keep the Mosaic law but are asked to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from fornication — to keep table-fellowship with Jewish believers possible.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 15:19-20 — "Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood."
Acts 15:28-29 — "It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things."
Galatians 2:9 — "When James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Treated as obsolete, missing the lasting principle of charitable accommodation for fellowship's sake.
expand to see more
The decree's specific clauses target table-fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers. The principle survives: in matters of conscience, accommodate for fellowship's sake without compromising the gospel. Acts 15 is a model of theological clarity with pastoral charity.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek dogma — decree, ordinance.
expand to see more
['Greek', 'G1378', 'dogma', 'decree']
['Greek', 'G4904', 'synedrion', 'council']
Usage
"Read Acts 15 for theological-pastoral wisdom."
"Charity for fellowship; clarity on the gospel."