Acts 15:19–41

¹⁹Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, ²⁰but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality,^l from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. ²¹For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.”^m

THE LETTER TO THE GENTILE BELIEVERS

²²Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to select men who were among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas,ⁿ both leading men among the brothers. ²³They wrote:

“From the apostles and the elders, your brothers,

To the brothers and sisters among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:^o

Greetings.

²⁴Since we have heard that some without our authorization went out from us^p and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts,^{Dq 25}we have unanimously^r decided to select men and send them to you along with our dearly loved Barnabas and Paul, ²⁶who have risked their lives^s for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁷Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth. ²⁸For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements:^{t 29}that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.^u You will do well if you keep yourselves from these things.

Farewell.”

THE OUTCOME OF THE JERUSALEM LETTER

³⁰So they were sent off and went down to Antioch, and after gathering the assembly, they delivered the letter. ³¹When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. ³²Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and sisters and strengthened them with a long message.^{a 33}After spending some time there, they were sent back in peace^b by the brothers and sisters to those who had sent them.^{A 35}But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord.^c

PAUL AND BARNABAS PART COMPANY

³⁶After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town^d where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” ³⁷Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. ³⁸But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. ³⁹They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark^e with him and sailed off to Cyprus. ⁴⁰But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord.^{f 41}He traveled through Syria^g and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.