Bible Strands
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
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Study note
Setting — The Jerusalem council addresses Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilacia during a formal assembly to settle whether converts must adopt Mosaic law. The speaker announces a unified decision reached after examining the matter.
The words — ἔδοξεν (edoxen) means "it seemed good," and πνεύματι ἁγίῳ (pneumati hagiō) translates to "Holy Spirit," together indicating the directive stems from divine direction rather than human decree.
The thread — This Spirit-led restraint mirrors John 16:13, where the Spirit guides believers into truth, and aligns with Revelation 2:24, which states Jesus will place no further burden on the faithful. Matthew 11:30 further contrasts this approach with heavy demands by describing Christ's yoke as light.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to accept that Christian boundaries are set by Spirit-guided discernment, not human tradition, and to treat the listed prohibitions as the complete requirement for Gentile believers.
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 it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Cross-references
- Matthew 11:30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
- 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.
- Revelation 2:24 But I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned the so-called deep things of Satan: I will place no further burden upon you
- 1 Corinthians 14:37 If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command.
- 1 Peter 1:12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
- Acts 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
- Acts 15:8 And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us.
- Acts 15:19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
- 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.
- Matthew 23:4 They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.