The Jerusalem Decree

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named (A)Barsabas,[a] and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

23 They wrote this letter by them:

The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,

To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that (B)some who went out from us have troubled you with words, (C)unsettling your souls, [b]saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment— 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one [c]accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 (D)men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 (E)that you abstain from things offered to idols, (F)from blood, from things strangled, and from (G)sexual[d] immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Farewell.

Continuing Ministry in Syria

30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. 32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being (H)prophets also, (I)exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. 33 And after they had stayed there for a time, they were (J)sent back with greetings from the brethren to [e]the apostles.

34 [f]However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. 35 (K)Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 15:22 NU, M Barsabbas
  2. Acts 15:24 NU omits saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”
  3. Acts 15:25 purpose or mind
  4. Acts 15:29 Or fornication
  5. Acts 15:33 NU those who had sent them
  6. Acts 15:34 NU, M omit v. 34.

The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers

22 Then the apostles and elders,(A) with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch(B) with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas,(C) men who were leaders among the believers. 23 With them they sent the following letter:

The apostles and elders, your brothers,

To the Gentile believers in Antioch,(D) Syria(E) and Cilicia:(F)

Greetings.(G)

24 We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.(H) 25 So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— 26 men who have risked their lives(I) for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas(J) to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit(K) and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.(L) You will do well to avoid these things.

Farewell.

30 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas,(M) who themselves were prophets,(N) said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace(O) to return to those who had sent them. [34] [a] 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached(P) the word of the Lord.(Q)

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 15:34 Some manuscripts include here But Silas decided to remain there.