[12] Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. [13] And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, "Men [and] brethren, listen to me: [14] "Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. [15] "And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: [16] 'After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; [17] So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.' [18] "Known to God from eternity are all His works. [19] "Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, [20] "but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, [from] sexual immorality, [from] things strangled, and [from] blood. [21] "For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath." [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 Barsabas, 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 some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, 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 accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, [26] 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] that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. [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.2
Endnotes:
1. | Concerning proselytes, see Ex. 12:19; 20:10; 23:12; Lev. 17:8-9; 18:26; 16:29; 17; 18:6-23; 20:2; 24:16,22; Nu. 15:14; Deu. 16:11,14; Ru. 1:16; Est. 8:17; Eze. 33:24-26; Mat. 23:15; Acts 2:10; 6:5; 8:26-40; 10:1-2; 13:16,26; 15:20,29. Concerning god-fearers, see Acts 9:27; 10:2,22; 13:16,26,43,50; 16:14; 17:4,17; 18:7. |
2. | Acts 15:12-31, NKJV |
3. | See also: Gen. 12:3; 22:18; Deu. 32:21,43; 2S. 22:50; 1K. 8:43; 2Chr. 6:32; Ezra 7:15; Ps. 18:49; 22:27; 86:9; 117:1; Isa. 9:2; 11:1,10; 42:6; 44:5; 49:6; 56:8; 60:3; 63:16; 65:1; 66:18; Jer. 16:19; Hos. 2:23. |
Sources:
Acts 15:12-31 | Unless indicated otherwise, all Scripture references are from the New King James Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. |