“1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren,
[and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye
cannot be saved. 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small
dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and
Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the
apostles and elders about this question. 3 And being brought on their
way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring
the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the
brethren. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of
the church, and [of] the apostles and elders, and they declared all
things that God had done with them. 5 But there rose up certain of the
sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to
circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses.”
“6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this
matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and
said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago
God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the
word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts,
bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he did] unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by
faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of
the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall
be saved, even as they. 12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave
audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God
had wrought among the Gentiles by them. 13 And after they had held their
peace, James answered, saying, Men [and] brethren, hearken unto me: 14
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to
take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words
of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will
build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will
build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue
of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my
name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. 18 Known
unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Wherefore
my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles
are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain
from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things
strangled, and [from] blood. 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city
them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.”
“22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to
send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas;
[namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the
brethren: 23 And they wrote [letters] by them after this manner; The
apostles and elders and brethren [send] greeting unto the brethren which
are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: 24 Forasmuch as we
have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with
words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep
the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment: 25 It seemed good unto
us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with
our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and
Silas, who shall also tell [you] the same things by mouth. 28 For it
seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater
burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats
offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from
fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye
well. 30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when
they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31
[Which] when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. 32 And
Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren
with many words, and confirmed [them]. 33 And after they had tarried
[there] a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the
apostles. 34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. 35
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the
word of the Lord, with many others also.”
“36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and
visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the
Lord, [and see] how they do. 37 And Barnabas determined to take with
them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take
him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with
them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that
they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and
sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being
recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went
through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.” (Acts 15:1-41 AV)
© 2011-2018 Kathy L. McFarland. All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy