Which Adventist theologians link Acts 15:29 and Leviticus 17-18?

The decision of the Jerusalem Council has deep Old Testament roots. Adventist theologians compellingly demonstrate that the decree in Acts 15:29 is based on the regulations for resident aliens in Leviticus 17–18. This parallel is examined by Adventist Old Testament scholars, notably Roy Gane from Andrews University.

The Theological Context of the Jerusalem Council
The question of welcoming Gentile converts into the early Christian community sparked intense debate. Some Jewish believers insisted on mandatory circumcision and full compliance with the ceremonial system of Moses. However, guided by the Holy Spirit, the apostles found a wise, biblical solution that preserved church unity and did not place an unbearable burden on the new converts.

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” Acts 15:28-29

Adventist scholars point out that these four prohibitions were neither a spontaneous compromise nor a purely human innovation. The apostles turned to an already existing biblical model within the Law of God.

Parallels Between Acts 15 and Leviticus 17–18
Scholars, including Roy Gane, highlight that the four requirements of Acts 15 correspond directly to the themes of chapters 17 and 18 of Leviticus. In the Torah, these instructions applied both to native Israelites and to the strangers (resident aliens) living among them.

First, the prohibition against food offered to idols directly echoes the text of Leviticus, which addresses the impermissibility of sacrificing to false gods or demons:

“They shall no more offer their sacrifices to demons, after whom they have played the harlot. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations.” Lev 17:7

Second, the requirement to avoid consuming blood and things strangled (where the blood remained inside the animal's carcass) is a strict principle regarding the sanctity of life, binding upon every resident alien:

“And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people.” Lev 17:10

Third, the concept of sexual immorality (Greek *porneia*) in Acts 15:29 draws upon the detailed list of prohibited sexual relationships and incest outlined in Leviticus 18, which applied to all the inhabitants of the land of Canaan:

“Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you.” Lev 18:24

Significance for Understanding God's Law
This connection shows that the council’s decision was grounded in Scripture. The Jerusalem decree did not abolish the law; rather, it demonstrated the universal nature of moral principles for people of all nations.

Ellen White, in the book *The Acts of the Apostles*, emphasizes that Gentile converts were called to abandon customs that conflicted with Christian principles. The Holy Spirit guided the leaders of the early church to a wise decision that did not impose the ceremonial law, but instead called believers to purity of life and adherence to eternal standards of holiness.

Practical Relevance for the Modern Christian
Today, this study teaches the church to distinguish between God’s eternal standards and temporary forms. Believers are called to maintain bodily and moral purity, honor the gift of life, avoid any flirtation with modern idolatry, and show sensitivity to the consciences of brothers and sisters in the church.