1Then came down certain from Judea, and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2And when there was great dissension, and disputation by Paul and Barnabas against them, they ordained that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question.
3Thus being brought forth by the Church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy unto all the brethren.
4And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the Church, and of the Apostles and Elders, and they declared what things God had done by them.
5But said they, certain of the sect of the Pharisees, which did believe, rose up, saying that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses.
6Then the Apostles and Elders came together to look to this matter.
7And when there had been great disputation, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Ye men and brethren, ye know that a good while ago, among us God chose out me, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe.
8And God which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, in giving unto them the holy Ghost even as he did unto us.
9And he put no difference between us and them, after that by faith he had purified their hearts.
10Now therefore, why tempt ye God, to lay a yoke on the disciples’ necks, which neither our fathers, nor we were able to bear?
11But we believe, through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved, even as they do.
12Then all the multitude kept silence, and heard Barnabas and Paul, which told what signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles by them.
13And when they held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me.
14Simeon hath declared, how God first did visit the Gentiles, to take of them a people unto his Name.
15And to this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written,
16After this I will return, and will build again the Tabernacle of David, which is fallen down, and the ruins thereof will I build again, and I will set it up.
17That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my Name is called, saith the Lord which doeth all these things.
18From the beginning of the world, God knoweth all his works.
19Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them of the Gentiles that are turned to God,
20But that we send unto them, that they abstain themselves from filthiness of idols, and fornication, and that is strangled, and from blood.
21For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, seeing he is read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day.
22Then it seemed good to the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: to wit, Judas whose surname was Barsabas, and Silas, which were chief men among the brethren,
23And wrote letters by them after this manner, THE APOSTLES, and the Elders, and the brethren, Unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch, and in Syria, and in Cilicia, send greeting.
24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us, have troubled you with words, and cumbered your minds, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the Law: to whom we gave no such commandment,
25It seemed therefore good to us, when we were come together with one accord, to [send] chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul.
26Men that have given up their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, which shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28For it seemed good to the holy Ghost, and to us, to lay no more burden upon you, than these necessary things.
29That is, that ye abstain from things offered to idols, and blood, and that that is strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
30Now when they were departed, they came to Antioch, and after that they had assembled the multitude, they delivered the Epistle,
31And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.
32And Judas and Silas being Prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and strengthened them.
33And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace of the brethren unto the Apostles.
34Notwithstanding Silas thought good to abide there still.
35Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others the word of the Lord.
36But after certain days, Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return and visit our brethren in every city, where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37And Barnabas counseled to take with them John, called Mark.
38But Paul thought it not meet to take him unto their company, which departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39Then were they so stirred, that they departed asunder one from the other, so that Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus.
40And Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended of the brethren unto the grace of God.
41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, establishing the Churches.