17
That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18
Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, who from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20
But that we write to them that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] lewdness, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood.
21
For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, 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 surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23
And they wrote [letters] by them after this manner; The apostles, and elders, and brethren, [send] greeting to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia.
24
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain who went out from us, have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye 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 that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27
We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will also tell [you] the same things by 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 ye abstain from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from lewdness: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Fare ye well.
30
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had convened the multitude, they delivered the epistle.
31
[Which] when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
32
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed [them].
33
And after they had tarried [there] a time, they were dismissed in peace from the brethren to the apostles.
34
Notwithstanding, it pleased Silas to abide there still.