Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 15:20

20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

Eating of Meat that was offered to Idols, (as Verse 29.) in a case of scandal, and for the present state of the Church was forbid, tho afterwards in other cases indulged, 1 Cor. 10.27.

Fornication is here mentioned amongst indifferent things; not that it ever was so, but because it was amongst the Gentiles reputed to be so, even by them who punished Adultry severely. By these two some think all sins against both the Tables of the Law to be forbidden, because by one sin against each Table, all the sins against any command may Synecdochically be understood.

Such Creatures had not their Blood let out; and therefore were not to be fed upon, by the Law of God, Gen. 9.4. given as soon as the use of Flesh was allowed for Food.

They were also much more to abstain from Blood, when shed out of the Body of any slain Creature, Lev. 3.17. Deut. 12.23. That Blood was forbidden, might be to teach them meekness, and to abstain from revenge. It is certain, that such Nations as feed on Blood, are most barbarous and cruel. It is also probable, that these being included in the Precepts which they called, The Precepts of Adam or Noah, and to which all the Proselytes of the Gate were obliged to yield obedience: the Apostle would have the observance of them to be continued upon them that came from amongst them, over unto Christianity. For tho all these Ceremonies were dead (with Christ) yet they were not then deadly, and did wait a time for their more decent burial. If any wonder that the Councel did not treat of, and write about greater matters; As of worshipping God the Father, through the Son; of denying of our selves, and taking up the Cross; he ought to consider, that the question they met upon, was about other matters, and that those great things were never in question amongst such as feared God.

Marginal references: Exod. 20.[illegible: 1 letter]. 1 Cor. 8.1. & 10.20.; 1 Thess. 4.3.