The Council at Jerusalem
(Acts 15:5–21)

1Fourteen years after, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus also with me. 2But I went up according to a divine revelation, and laid before them the gospel which I preach among the gentiles: though privately to those of note, least I should run, or had run in vain. 3But even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised; 4and that because of the false brethren clandestinely introduced, who had crept in as spies upon our liberty, which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5to whom we yielded no submission, not even for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6And as to those who seemed to be men of note, whatever they were, it is all one to me, (God accepteth no man's person) for even these eminent persons added nothing more to me. 7But on the contrary, seeing that I was intrusted with the gospel of uncircumcision, as Peter was with that of the circumcision; 8(for He who wrought effectually in Peter as to the apostleship of the circumcision, wrought effectually also in me as to the gentiles:) 9and knowing the grace which was given to me; James, and Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars of the church, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision. 10Only desiring that we would remember the poor: which I also was forward to do.

Paul Confronts Cephas

11But when Peter came to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was indeed to be blamed. 12For before certain men came from James, he did eat with the gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those of the circumcision. 13And the rest of the Jews dissembled also with him; so that Barnabas too was carried away with their dissimulation. 14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all,---If thou, who art a Jew, livest sometimes after the manner of the gentiles, and not like the Jews, why dost thou now in a manner compel the gentiles to judaize?

15We, who are Jews by birth, and not sinners of the gentiles, 16knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17But if while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore the minister of sin? 18God forbid. And if I build again the same things which I demolished, I shew myself a transgressor: for I through the law am dead to the law, 19that I might live unto God. 20I am crucified with Christ; yet I live, though no longer I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave up himself for me. 21I do not frustate the grace of God: for if righteousness be by the law, then Christ died in vain.