New International VersionFor the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
New Living TranslationFor these laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for many generations.”
English Standard VersionFor from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
Berean Standard BibleFor Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
Berean Literal BibleFor Moses has ones proclaiming him in every city from generations of old, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."
King James BibleFor Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
New King James VersionFor Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
New American Standard BibleFor from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
NASB 1995“For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
NASB 1977“For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
Legacy Standard BibleFor from ancient generations, Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
Amplified BibleFor from ancient generations [the writing of] Moses has been preached in every city, since he is read aloud in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
Christian Standard BibleFor since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.”
American Standard VersionFor Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.
Contemporary English VersionWe must remember that the Law of Moses has been preached in city after city for many years, and every Sabbath it is read in our synagogues.
English Revised VersionFor Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter all, Moses' words have been spread to every city for generations. His teachings are read in synagogues on every day of worship."
Good News TranslationFor the Law of Moses has been read for a very long time in the synagogues every Sabbath, and his words are preached in every town."
International Standard VersionAfter all, Moses has had people to proclaim him in every city for generations, and on every Sabbath his books are read aloud in the synagogues."
NET BibleFor Moses has had those who proclaim him in every town from ancient times, because he is read aloud in the synagogues every Sabbath."
New Heart English BibleFor Moses from generations of old has in every city those who proclaim him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."
Webster's Bible TranslationFor Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.
Weymouth New TestamentFor Moses from the earliest times has had his preachers in every town, being read, as he is, Sabbath after Sabbath, in the various synagogues." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
World English BibleFor Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor Moses has those preaching him from former generations in every city—being read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
Berean Literal BibleFor Moses has ones proclaiming him in every city from generations of old, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."
Young's Literal Translation for Moses from former generations in every city hath those preaching him -- in the synagogues every sabbath being read.'
Smith's Literal TranslationFor Moses of ancient generations has them proclaiming him in every city, being read in the synagogues in every sabbath. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him in the synagogues, where he is read every sabbath.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor Moses, from ancient times, has had in each city those who preach him in the synagogues, where he is read on every Sabbath.”
New American BibleFor Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”
New Revised Standard VersionFor in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every sabbath in the synagogues.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor Moses, from the very early centuries, had preachers in the synagogues in every city to read his books on every sabbath day.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“For from the first ages there have been preachers for Moses who read him on every Sabbath in every town in the synagogues.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor, from ancient times, Moses has, in every city, those who preach him, being read in the synagogue every sabbath-day.
Godbey New Testament
For Moses from ancient generations, has those preaching him in every city, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.
Haweis New Testament
For Moses for ages past in every city hath those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day.
Mace New Testament
for as to the law of Moses, that has been published in every city a considerable time, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day.
Weymouth New Testament
For Moses from the earliest times has had his preachers in every town, being read, as he is, Sabbath after Sabbath, in the various synagogues."
Worrell New Testament
for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath."
Worsley New Testament
For Moses hathhad from ancient times those that preach him in every city, and isstill read in the synagogues every sabbath-day.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Council at Jerusalem… 20Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. 21ForMoseshasbeen proclaimedin everycityfromancienttimesand is readinthesynagoguesoneverySabbath.”22Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers,…
Cross References Deuteronomy 4:5-8See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess. / Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” / For what nation is great enough to have a god as near to them as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call on Him? ...
Deuteronomy 31:9-13So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel. / Then Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission of debt, during the Feast of Tabernacles, / when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. ...
Nehemiah 8:1-8At 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. / On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. / So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. ...
Psalm 78:5-7For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children / that they should put their confidence in God, not forgetting His works, but keeping His commandments.
Isaiah 2:3And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 42:21The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.
Jeremiah 31:33-34“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. / No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”
Ezekiel 44:23-24They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean. / In any dispute, they shall officiate as judges and judge according to My ordinances. They must keep My laws and statutes regarding all My appointed feasts, and they must keep My Sabbaths holy.
Malachi 2:7For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts.
Matthew 5:17-19Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. / So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 23:2-3“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
Luke 4:16-21Then 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, / the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written: / “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, ...
John 5:39You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,
John 7:19Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps it. Why are you trying to kill Me?”
Acts 13:15After 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.”
Treasury of Scripture For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. sabbath. Acts 13:15,27 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying,Ye menand brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on… Nehemiah 8:1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street thatwas before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. Jump to Previous AncientCityEarliestEarlyFormerGenerationsMosesPastPreachPreachedPreachersPreachingReadReadingSabbathSynagoguesTimeTimesVariousJump to Next AncientCityEarliestEarlyFormerGenerationsMosesPastPreachPreachedPreachersPreachingReadReadingSabbathSynagoguesTimeTimesVariousActs 15 1.Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision.5.The apostles consult about it,22.and send their determination by letters to the churches.36.Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together,39.disagree, and travel different ways.For Moses has been proclaimed in every cityThe reference to "Moses" here signifies the Mosaic Law, which includes the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah. This phrase highlights the widespread dissemination of Jewish teachings and laws throughout the Roman Empire. Historically, Jewish communities were established in many cities, especially after the Babylonian exile, leading to the spread of Jewish customs and laws. This widespread presence is evidenced by archaeological findings of synagogues and Jewish inscriptions in various cities across the Mediterranean region. from ancient times
This phrase underscores the long-standing tradition of Jewish teachings being shared and upheld. The Jewish diaspora, which began with the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, led to the establishment of Jewish communities far from Israel. These communities maintained their religious practices and teachings over centuries, ensuring that the Law of Moses was known and respected even outside of Israel. This historical continuity is crucial for understanding the context of the early Christian church, which emerged within this Jewish framework. and is read in the synagogues
The synagogue served as the center of Jewish religious life, especially in the diaspora. It was a place for prayer, teaching, and community gatherings. The reading of the Torah was a central part of synagogue worship, with specific portions assigned to be read each Sabbath. This practice ensured that the Jewish people, regardless of their location, remained connected to their religious heritage and laws. The regular reading of the Torah in synagogues also provided a foundation for the early Christian practice of reading Scripture in their gatherings. on every Sabbath.
The Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, is a day of rest and worship in Jewish tradition, as commanded in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). The weekly reading of the Torah on the Sabbath was a key aspect of Jewish religious life, reinforcing the teachings of Moses and the importance of the Law. This practice not only preserved the Jewish faith but also influenced early Christian worship, as the first Christians were Jews who continued to observe the Sabbath and other Jewish customs. The regular reading of Scripture on the Sabbath laid the groundwork for the Christian tradition of reading from the Bible during worship services. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, Moses is the lawgiver who received the Ten Commandments from God. His teachings form the foundation of Jewish law and tradition. 2. SynagoguesThese are Jewish places of worship and community gathering. In the context of Acts 15, synagogues serve as places where the teachings of Moses are read and discussed regularly. 3. Every CityThis phrase indicates the widespread presence of Jewish communities and synagogues throughout the Roman Empire, where the teachings of Moses were accessible. 4. SabbathThe seventh day of the week, observed as a day of rest and worship in Jewish tradition. It is a time when the Scriptures, including the Law of Moses, are read aloud in synagogues. 5. Council of JerusalemThe event in Acts 15 where early church leaders gathered to discuss the requirements for Gentile converts to Christianity, particularly concerning adherence to Jewish law. Teaching Points The Universality of God's LawThe teachings of Moses have been proclaimed widely, indicating the universal nature of God's moral law. This universality calls believers to recognize the enduring relevance of God's commandments. The Importance of Scripture ReadingRegular reading and hearing of Scripture, as practiced in synagogues, is vital for spiritual growth and understanding. Christians are encouraged to prioritize Scripture in their personal and communal worship. Cultural and Historical Context in EvangelismUnderstanding the cultural and historical context of Scripture can enhance evangelism efforts. Recognizing the widespread knowledge of Moses' teachings can help bridge conversations with those familiar with Jewish traditions. Unity in DiversityThe early church's decision at the Council of Jerusalem reflects the balance between respecting Jewish traditions and embracing Gentile believers. This teaches modern Christians the importance of unity amidst diversity in the body of Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 15:21?
2.How does Acts 15:21 emphasize the importance of Moses' teachings in early churches?
3.Why is the regular reading of Moses' law significant for believers today?
4.How does Acts 15:21 connect with Deuteronomy 31:11-12 about public Scripture reading?
5.What role does tradition play in understanding and applying Acts 15:21 today?
6.How can churches today implement regular Scripture readings as in Acts 15:21?
7.Why was Moses preached in synagogues every Sabbath according to Acts 15:21?
8.How does Acts 15:21 relate to the inclusion of Gentiles in early Christianity?
9.What historical evidence supports the widespread teaching of Moses mentioned in Acts 15:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 15?
11.Is saving a life more important than religious laws?
12.What were the key events in Paul's First Missionary Journey?
13.What is the Hebrew Roots Movement?
14.How does Leviticus 17 align with the New Testament practice in Acts 15:29, where only some Mosaic laws about blood are upheld while others are set aside?What Does Acts 15:21 Mean For Moses has been proclaimedThe name “Moses” stands in for the entire Law God gave through him. James reminds the Jerusalem council that the voice of the Law is not silent—it is continually proclaimed. Luke previously recorded this pattern when Paul and Barnabas visited Pisidian Antioch: “After the reading of the Law and the Prophets…” (Acts 13:15). Jesus spoke of the same living testimony: “If you believed Moses, you would believe Me” (John 5:46). The Law is therefore an active witness, still pointing to righteousness and, ultimately, to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
in every cityFrom Alexandria to Rome, wherever Jewish communities settled, they carried the scrolls of Moses with them. • Paul could locate a synagogue in virtually every city he visited—Iconium (Acts 14:1), Thessalonica (Acts 17:1), Corinth (Acts 18:4). • This widespread presence means that God had already prepared venues where Gentile believers could continue learning the moral truths embodied in the Law, even as salvation itself rests on grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).
from ancient timesThe practice of public reading began early. Moses himself commanded, “Assemble the people…so they may hear and learn” (Deuteronomy 31:12). Joshua followed suit (Joshua 8:34–35), and Josiah revived it centuries later (2 Kings 23:2). The longevity underscores God’s design: His Word is enduring, unchanging, and meant for every generation (Psalm 119:89).
and is read in the synagoguesSynagogues functioned as community centers of worship and instruction. • Jesus read Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:16). • Paul leveraged the same setting “every Sabbath” to reason from the Scriptures (Acts 18:4). Because the Law is publicly read, Jewish believers remain continually shaped by it, and Gentile believers have access to it without bearing the yoke of ceremonial requirements (Acts 15:10).
on every SabbathWeekly repetition engrains truth.Exodus 20:8–11 links the Sabbath rhythm to creation, showing God’s intention for regular rest and reflection. By the first century, the Sabbath was the established time for hearing Moses, ensuring that ethical teachings—such as purity, sexual integrity, and honoring God alone—remained fresh before the people (Nehemiah 8:1–8).
summaryJames’s statement inActs 15:21 affirms that God had already placed His Law within earshot of both Jews and Gentiles. Because Moses is proclaimed everywhere, the council could lay only essential restrictions on Gentile converts, confident that ongoing synagogue readings would continue to instruct them in God’s timeless moral standards. (21) For Moses of old time.--Literally, of ancient generations. The conjunction gives the reason for writing to the Gentiles, and giving them these injunctions. The Jews, who heard the Law in their synagogues every Sabbath, did not need instruction. It might be taken for granted that they would adhere to the rules now specified. So, in Acts 15:23, the encyclical letter is addressed exclusively to "the brethren of the Gentiles." Verse 21. - From generations of old for of old time, A.V.; sabbath for sabbath day, A.V. The meaning of this verse seems to be that, in requiring the above compliances, the council was not enjoining anything new or strange, because the Gentiles who attended the synagogues were familiar with these Mosaic doctrines. It has been often stated that these four prohibitions were in substance the same as the so-called seven precepts of Noah, which were binding upon proselytes of the gate. This is, however, scarcely borne out by the facts. The four prohibitions seem to have been a temporary arrangement adapted to the then condition of the Church, with a view to enabling Christian Jews and Gentiles to live in brotherly fellowship. The Jew was not to require more of his Gentile brother: the Gentile was not to concede less to his Jewish brother. St. Augustine ('Cont. Manich.,' 32, 13), quoted by Meyer, ridicules the idea of Christians in his time being bound by the law of things strangled (see Hooker and Bishop Sanderson, quoted by Wordsworth, in the same sense).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.MosesΜωϋσῆς(Mōusēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3475:Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.hasἔχει(echei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.been proclaimedκηρύσσοντας(kēryssontas)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2784:To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.in everyκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).cityπόλιν(polin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172:A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.fromἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.ancientἀρχαίων(archaiōn)Adjective - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 744:Original, primitive, ancient. From arche; original or primeval.timesγενεῶν(geneōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1074:From genos; a generation; by implication, an age.[and] is readἀναγινωσκόμενος(anaginōskomenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 314:To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.theταῖς(tais)Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.synagoguesσυναγωγαῖς(synagōgais)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4864:From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue'; by analogy, a Christian church.onκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).everyπᾶν(pan)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.Sabbath.”σάββατον(sabbaton)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4521:The Sabbath, a week.
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NT Apostles: Acts 15:21 For Moses from generations of old has (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
