Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

ACTS 15:19KJV
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Acts 15:19 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:19 mean?

Acts 15:19 records a decision by James, a leader in the early church, not to make things difficult for non-Jewish people (Gentiles) who have turned to God. He is saying that Gentile believers should not be burdened with extra requirements beyond faith in God.

James is speaking to the council of apostles and elders in Jerusalem, addressing a debate about whether Gentile Christians must follow Jewish laws. In this verse, James sums up his judgment after hearing reports of Gentiles coming to faith, emphasizing that they should not be troubled with unnecessary rules. This statement helps set the direction for how the early church would welcome non-Jewish believers.

The Greek behind Acts 15:19

  • The word "trouble" (παρενοχλεῖν, parenochlein) means to annoy, harass, or make things difficult. Here, it highlights James’s concern that Gentile converts should not face obstacles or hardships that are not essential to their faith.
  • The word "turned" (ἐπιστρέφουσιν, epistrephousin) means to turn or return, often used for turning toward God in repentance or faith. This word shows that the Gentiles have made a real and active decision to follow God, not just a casual interest.

Why Acts 15:19 matters

  • Acts 15:19 clarifies that Gentile believers are accepted without needing to adopt all Jewish customs, which was a major question in the early church.
  • The verse shows the leadership’s willingness to remove barriers to faith, focusing on what is truly necessary for following God.
  • This decision sets the stage for the letter sent to Gentile churches in the following verses, shaping how the early Christian movement would grow across different cultures.

Where else these words appear

“turned” Greek G1994 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
  • Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
  • Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

“Wherefore” Greek G1352 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 27:8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
  • Romans 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
  • Philemon 1:8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

“is” Greek G2919 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?