Bible Strands
Acts 15:21
For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The apostles and elders address Gentile believers to justify the letter’s dietary and moral directives by pointing to the established practice of Scripture reading.
The words — γὰρ (gar) = for; ἐκ γενεῶν ἀρχαίων = from ancient generations. The text states that Moses has been proclaimed in every city since ancient times and is read in synagogues on every Sabbath.
The thread — This pattern of public Torah reading appears in Acts 13:15, where synagogue leaders invite speakers after the Law and Prophets are read, and in 2 Corinthians 3:14, which observes that the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant.
Why it lands — The passage asks readers to acknowledge that the council’s instructions function alongside, rather than against, the continuous public proclamation of Moses’s writings in Jewish worship.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
Cross-references
- Acts 13:15 After 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 13:27 The 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 Corinthians 3:14 But 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.
- Nehemiah 8:1 At 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 4:16 Then 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,