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are what we are to abstain from rather than what we are to do. Both sides are of course necessary as Paul

says in another context; not only are we to flee youthful lusts, but we are to pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace (2 Timothy 2:22). As well as this it should be noted that all the prohibitions relate to outward matters: what we are not to do. The prohibitions do not relate to the inward side of the truth, though if we are not right inwardly it is unlikely that we will be particular about the matters we are considering.

The prohibitions do not mention things which would have been proscribed by Roman law, such as stealing and murder (see for instance Matthew 27:38 & Luke 23:19) There was no need for that. Peter in his 1st Epistle (chapter 4:3/4) mentions a number of things which were acceptable amongst the Gentiles, but which Christians should not practise as they should not live at the same level as the world.

As to “pollutions of idols, and from fornication” (Acts 15:20) it is no doubt in mind that the Gentiles who had turned to God (verse 19) were the ones to be instructed by the letter as they were living in an idolatrous environment. Although they would have turned to God from idols as the Thessalonians had (1 Thessalonians 1:9), they would have been in danger of getting caught up in some way with the idolatrous system they had ostensibly left, by the back door so to speak. “Pollutions of idols”, that is, in eating things sacrificed to idols (see verse 29) they would have been eating what was polluted (not physically but morally). They were to steer well clear of the whole idolatrous system. As to fornication it is well known that this was often connected with the heathen temples: there were what were called temple prostitutes. Paul warns against both things: “Flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14) and “Flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18). There was clearly failure in the early days of the assembly’s history regarding both these matters. Thus we have: “ But I have a few things against thee: that thou hast there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a snare before the sons of Israel, to eat [of] idol sacrifices and commit fornication” (Revelation 2:14). Again we have: “ But I have against thee that thou permittest the woman Jezebel, she who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads astray my servants to commit fornication and eat of idol sacrifices” (Revelation 2:20). The references lead us to look back at the Old

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