Acts 15:13-41 ▼

13 And after they were silent, James answered, saying, Men, brethren, hear me:

14 Simeon related how God first reviewed to take from the nations a people for his name.

15 And with this the words of the prophets agree: as has been written,

16 After these will I return, and rebuild the tent of David, having fallen; and its things undermined will I rebuild, and set it upright:

17 So that they remaining of men might seek out the Lord, and all the nations upon whom my name has been called upon them, says the Lord, making all these.

18 Known to God are all his works from eternity.

19 Wherefore I judge, not to molest them, from the nations turning back to God:

20 But to send to them, to keep off from pollutions of images, and harlotry, and strangulation, and blood.

21 For Moses of ancient generations has them proclaiming him in every city, being read in the synagogues in every sabbath.

22 Then it seemed fitting to the sent and the elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren:

23 Having written by their hand thus; The sent and elders and brethren to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia from the nations, health:

24 Since we heard that certain of us having come out have troubled you with words, destroying your souls, saying, To be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we sent no word:

25 It seemed fitting to us, having been unanimous, to send to you chosen men with our dearly beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 Men having delivered up their souls for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 Therefore have we sent Judas and Silas, and these by the word announcing these things.

28 For it seemed fitting to the Holy Spirit, and to us, for no more burden to be put upon you but the necessities of these;

29 To keep off from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and strangulation, and harlotry: from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

30 Truly therefore having been loosed, they came to Antioch; and having gathered the multitude together, they gave up the epistle:

31 And having read, they rejoiced for the encouraging.

32 And Judas and Silas, they also being prophets, through much speech consoled the brethren, and supported.

33 And having made time, they were loosed with peace from the brethren to the sent.

34 And it seemed fitting to Silas to wait for him.

35 And Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch, teaching and announcing good news, with many others, the word of the Lord.

36 And after certain days said Paul to Barnabas, Now having turned back, let us review our brethren in every city in which we announced the word of the Lord, how they hold.

37 And Barnabas purposed to take with them John, called Mark.

38 But Paul deemed worthy, having withdrawn from them from Pamphylia, and not having come with them to the work, not to take him with them.

39 Therefore there was an incitement, so that they separated from one another: and Barnabas, having taken Mark, sailed to Cyprus;

40 And Paul, having chosen Silas, went forth, having been delivered to the grace of God by the brethren.

41 And he passed through Syria and Cilicia, supporting the churches.