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

James now draws his conclusion: legalism always seeks to trouble grace. James is wise to
include this phrase in his decision. The statement James makes is also his conclusion, his
opinion on the matter. This will become important in the course of events to come (verse 28).

JAMES’ COMPROMISE WITH LEGALISM

Act 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from
fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

This is a compromise made by James. It shows his weakness toward the legalistic Hebrews in
his church. After such a strong introduction and condemnation of legalism, he declares a
compromise. This “inch” will become a “mile” in the days to come, and legalism will completely
dominate the church. The leaven will destroy the whole lump.

The items mentioned by James are standard procedure for idol worshipers. Although these are
offensive to the Jews, they do not need to be mentioned. Gentiles have been saved and
become spiritual without these regulations. Paul will take this letter to the churches of Galatia
(16:4) but will never mention the different points in any sermon or discuss this letter except
with the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 4:1-3, 9-11).

James’s comments on food and drinks offered to idols are taught in Romans 14. In that passage
he tells of expediency and personal conviction. This attempt by James is to draw a compromise
between legalism and grace. The two cannot coexist.

There are four things mentioned in this recommendation, only one of which is scriptural.
“Pollutions of idols” is actually meat offered to idols (verse 29). This command, along with food
strangled and drinking of blood, is not addressed anywhere in the Word as an issue with
Gentiles. Only the command to abstain from fornication is scriptural, found in the Old
Testament and the New. Legalism elevates its own set of standards to a place equal with the
Word of God. With legalism, it is difficult to tell where the Word ends and religion begins.
FIVE ATTRIBUTES OF LEGALISM

1. Legalism makes mountains out of molehills. Non-issues become major.
2. Legalism is localized. What offends one group in one place is all that is important or
presented.
3. Legalism elevates its own set of standards to a place equal with the Word.
4. Legalism desires to bring others into bondage and control their lives.
5. Legalism will use the Holy Spirit for authenticity and validity (verse 28), making anyone
who questions them feel they are arguing with God.