Acts

15 And certain persons coming down from Judea began to teach the brethren—Except ye be circumcised according to the custom of Moses ye cannot be saved.

2 And when Paul and Barnabas had had no little dissension and discussion with them it was arranged that Paul and Barnabas and certain others from among them should go up unto the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem concerning this question.

3 They therefore being set forward by the Assembly began passing through Phoenicia and Samaria fully relating the conversion of them of the nations, and were causing great joy unto all the brethren.

4 And having arrived in Jerusalem they were welcomed by the Assembly and the Apostles and the Elders; and they recounted all things God had done with them.

5 But there [had] stood forth some of those who from the sect of Pharisees had believed, saying—It is needful to be circumcising them, also to charge them to be keeping the law of Moses.

6 And the Apostles and Elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

7 And when much discussion had arisen Peter standing up, said unto them—Brethren! Ye yourselves well know that in days long past amongst you God chose that through my mouth the nations should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe.

8 And the heart-observing God bare witness,—unto them giving the Holy Spirit just as even unto us;

9 and made no distinction at all betwixt us and them, by their faith purifying their hearts.

10 Now therefore why are ye proving God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear.

11 But through the favour of the Lord Jesus we believe we shall be saved in like manner as even they.

12 And all the throng held their peace, and began to hearken unto Barnabas and Paul relating how many signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them.

13 And after they held their peace James answered saying—Brethren! hearken unto me.

14 Symeon hath fully told how God first visited to take out of the nations, a people for his name.

15 And with this agree the words of the prophets, according as it is written—

16 After these things will I return, And will rebuild the tent of David that hath fallen, And the ruins thereof will I rebuild And will set it up again:

17 That the residues of men may seek out the Lord, And all the nations upon whom my name hath been called, Saith the Lord that doeth these things

18 Known from age-past times.

19 Wherefore I judge not to be troubling them who from the nations are turning unto God;

20 but to write unto them To abstain from the pollutions of idols, And from fornication, And from what is strangled, And from blood.

21 For Moses out of ancient generations hath in every city them who proclaim him; seeing that in the synagogues every sabbath he is read.

22 Then seemed it good unto the Apostles and the Elders with the whole Assembly to send chosen men from among them unto Antioch with Paul and Barnabas,—even Judas who is called Barsabbas, and Silas, men taking a lead among the brethren:

23 writing through their hand—The Apostles and the Elder Brethren unto the brethren throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from among the nations wish joy!

24 Inasmuch as we had heard that certain from among us had troubled you with words, dismantling your souls,—unto whom we had given no instructions

25 It seemed good unto us coming to be of one accord, that we should choose men and send them unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,—

26 men who have given up their lives in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who also themselves by word of mouth can tell you the same things.

28 For it hath seemed good unto the Holy Spirit and unto us no greater burden to be laying upon you than these necessary things:—

29 To be abstaining from idol sacrifices, And from blood, And from what is strangled, And from fornication,—From which if ye keep yourselves ye shall prosper. Fare ye well.

30 They therefore being let go came down unto Antioch; and having gathered together the throng delivered the letter,

31 and when they read it they rejoiced for the consolation.

32 And both Judas and Silas being themselves also prophets with much discourse consoled and confirmed the brethren.

33 And when they had spent a time they were let go in peace from the brethren, unto them who had sent them.

34 []

35 But Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch teaching and telling the joyful tidings,—along with many others also,—of the word of the Lord.

36 And after certain days Paul said unto Barnabas—Let us now return, and visit the brethren in every city in which we have declared the word of the Lord, and see how they are.

37 And Barnabas was minded to take with them John also, called Mark;

38 but Paul deemed it right as to him who had withdrawn from them back from Pamphylia, and had not gone with them unto the work not to be taking with them this man.

39 And there arose an angry feeling, so that they separated one from the other: and Barnabas taking Mark sailed away unto Cyprus,—

40 whereas Paul choosing Silas went forth committed unto the favour of the Lord by the brethren,

41 and proceeded to pass through Syria and Cilicia confirming the assemblies.