19 Therefore, it is (A)my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them that they abstain from [a](B)things contaminated by idols, from (C)acts of sexual immorality, from (D)what has been [b]strangled, and from blood. 21 For (E)from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since [c]he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

22 Then it seemed good to (F)the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to (G)Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas who was called Barsabbas, and (H)Silas, leading men among (I)the brothers, 23 and they [d]sent this letter with them:

(J)The apostles and the brothers who are elders, to (K)the brothers and sisters in (L)Antioch, (M)Syria, and (N)Cilicia who are from the Gentiles: (O)Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that (P)some [e]of our number to whom we gave no instruction have (Q)confused you by their [f]teaching, upsetting your souls, 25 (R)it seemed good to us, having [g]become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have [h](S)risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore, we have sent (T)Judas and (U)Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For (V)it seemed good to (W)the Holy Spirit and to (X)us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: 29 that you abstain from (Y)things sacrificed to idols, from (Z)blood, from (AA)things strangled, and from (AB)acts of sexual immorality; [i]if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”

30 So when they were sent away, (AC)they went down to Antioch; and after gathering the [j]congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its [k]encouragement.

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 15:20 Lit the pollutions of
  2. Acts 15:20 I.e., to retain the blood
  3. Acts 15:21 I.e., the books of Moses, Gen through Deut
  4. Acts 15:23 Lit wrote by their hand
  5. Acts 15:24 Lit from us
  6. Acts 15:24 Lit words
  7. Acts 15:25 Or met together
  8. Acts 15:26 Lit given over
  9. Acts 15:29 Lit from which keeping yourselves free
  10. Acts 15:30 Or multitude
  11. Acts 15:31 Or exhortation

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