Acts of the Apostles 15

The question of circumcision

1Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2This brought Paul and Barnabas into no small dissension and debate with them, so it was arranged that Paul and Barnabas and some others should go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this question. 3Sent on their way by the church, they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling in detail how the Gentiles had turned to God, and they brought great joy to all the brothers and sisters. 4When they arrived in Jerusalem they were welcomed by the church, the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said that the Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.

The council in Jerusalem

6So the apostles and the elders met to look into this matter. 7After long debate Peter stood up and said to them: “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made his choice among you: that through my mouth the Gentiles should hear the message of the gospel and believe. 8And God, who knows the heart, testified in their favor by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he gave it to us. 9He made no distinction between them and us; he cleansed their hearts by faith. 10Why, then, do you now put God to the test by laying on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11No: we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they are.” 12The whole assembly fell silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they described the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13When they had finished, James answered: “Brothers, listen to me. 14Simeon has told how God first showed his concern by taking from among the Gentiles a people for his name. 15This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written: 16‘After this I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David; I will rebuild its ruins and set it upright, 17so that the rest of humanity may seek the Lord — all the nations that bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things 18known from long ago.’ 19My judgment, therefore, is that we should not make it hard for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20We should write to them to abstain from what has been polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21For from ancient generations Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city; he is read aloud in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

The letter to the Gentile believers

22Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to choose men from among themselves and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. 23They sent this letter by their hand: “The apostles and the elders, your brothers, to the brothers and sisters of Gentile origin in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: greetings. 24We have heard that some of our number, without any instruction from us, have unsettled you with their words and disturbed your minds. 25So we have agreed unanimously to choose men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul, 26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27We are therefore sending Judas and Silas, who will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no burden beyond these necessary things: 29that you abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. Keep clear of these and you will do well. Farewell.” 30So they were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the whole company together and delivered the letter. 31When it was read, everyone rejoiced at its encouragement. 32Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers and sisters. 33After spending some time there they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. 34But Silas decided to remain there.* 35Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch, teaching and, with many others, announcing the word of the Lord.

Paul and Barnabas part company

36Some days later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them; 38but Paul insisted that they should not take the man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39The disagreement grew so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40while Paul chose Silas and set out, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.