Acts 15:19–41

¹⁹wherefore I judge: not to trouble those who from the nations do turn back to God, ²⁰but to write to them to abstain from the pollutions of the idols, and the whoredom, and the strangled thing; and the blood; ²¹for Moses from former generations in every city hath those preaching him—in the synagogues every sabbath being read.’

²²Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, chosen men out of themselves to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren— ²³having written through their hand thus: ‘The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to those in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia, brethren, who are of the nations, greeting; ²⁴seeing we have heard that certain having gone forth from us did trouble you with words, subverting your souls, saying to be circumcised and to keep the law, to whom we did give no charge, ²⁵it seemed good to us, having come together with one accord, chosen men to send unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul— ²⁶men who have given up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ— ²⁷we have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas, and they by word are telling the same things.

²⁸‘For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, no more burden to lay upon you, except these necessary things: ²⁹to abstain from things offered to idols, and blood, and a strangled thing, and whoredom; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well; be strong!’ ³⁰They then, indeed, having been let go, went to Antioch, and having brought the multitude together, did deliver the epistle, ³¹and they having read, did rejoice for the consolation; ³²Judas also and Silas, being themselves also prophets, through much discourse did exhort the brethren, and confirm, ³³and having passed some time, they were let go with peace from the brethren unto the apostles; ³⁴and it seemed good to Silas to remain there still. ³⁵And Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming good news—with many others also—the word of the Lord.

³⁶And after certain days, Paul said unto Barnabas, ‘Having turned back again, we may look after our brethren, in every city in which we have preached the word of the Lord—how they are.’ ³⁷And Barnabas counselled to take with them John called Mark, ³⁸and Paul was not thinking it good to take him with them who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and did not go with them to the work; ³⁹there came, therefore, a sharp contention, so that they were parted from one another, and Barnabas having taken Mark, did sail to Cyprus, ⁴⁰and Paul having chosen Silas, went forth, having been given up to the grace of God by the brethren; ⁴¹and he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the assemblies.

Chapter 16