1And certain men came down from Judaea to Antioch and taught the believers that, “Unless you are circumcised as Moses commanded, you cannot be saved”.
2Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, there was no small dissension and disputation, and they decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of them should go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.
3And the church sent them on their way, and as they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told of the conversion of the Gentiles; which caused great joy for all the brethren.
4And when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and elders, and they reported all that God had done through them.
5But that some believers who were of the sect of the Pharisees rose, saying that it was necessary to circumcise them, and to keep the law of Moses.
6And so the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter.
7And after much discussion and debate, Peter rose, and addressed them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel from my lips, and believe.
8And God, Who knows the hearts, showed His acceptance of them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did for us;
9And He put no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10Now, therefore, why put God to the test, by putting a yoke upon the neck of these disciples, which neither we nor our fathers were able to bear?
11No! We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we are saved, just as they are.
12Then all the assembly became silent, and listened as Barnabas and Paul declared what miracles and wonders God had been done among the Gentiles through them.
13And after they finished speaking, James responded by saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me;
14Simeon (Peter) has described how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for His name.
15And the words of the prophets agree with this; as it is written:
16‘After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it;
17That the remnant of men (the rest of mankind) might seek the Lord, and even the Gentiles, who are called by My name, said the Lord, Who does all these things.’(Amos 9:11-12)
18Thus says the Lord, Who makes all His doings known from the beginning of the world.
19Therefore, it is my judgment, that we should not trouble them who, from among the Gentiles, have turned to God;
20But rather that we write to them, that they abstain from eating food offered to idols, anything that was strangled, from blood and from fornication.
21For the law of Moses has been preached in the synagogues in every city every Sabbath day from the earliest times.”
22Then it pleased the apostles, elders, and the whole church, to send with Paul and Barnabas chosen men of their own assembly to Antioch; namely, Judas, surnamed Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the believers.
23And they sent with them the following letter: “The apostles, elders and brethren send greetings to the believers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:
24Inasmuch as we have heard that certain men who went out from us without our authorization have disturbed you with words, troubling your souls, by saying, ‘You must be circumcised, and keep the law’,
25It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26Men that have risked their lives for the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
27Therefore, we have sent, Judas and Silas, who shall also confirm to you these same things by mouth.
28For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden upon you than these necessary things:
29That you abstain from things offered to idols, blood, things strangled, and from fornication; from which, if you keep yourselves, you shall do well. Fare you well.” Verse 16 & 17 - Amos 9:11-12 - 11In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches of it; and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old, 12That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the nations (heathen), which are called by My name, says the LORD Who does this.
30So these men came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the church together, they delivered the epistle (letter),
31Which, when they had read it, they rejoiced for its encouraging message.
32And Judas and Silas, who were prophets themselves, said many encouraging words to the brethren, and confirmed them.
33And after they spent some time there, they were sent off with a blessing of peace from the the apostles who had sent them.
34Notwithstanding, it pleased Silas to remain there.
35Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others.
36And some time later, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit our brothers in the Lord in every city where we have preached the word of God, and see how the new believers are doing.”
37And Barnabas wanted to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38But Paul thought it not wise to take him with them, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia, and did not work with them.
39And the contention between them was so sharp, that they parted; and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus;
40While Paul chose Silas, and left, being commended by the believers to the grace of God.
41And so he (Paul, with Silas) went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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