Acts 15:22-41

Letter to the Gentile believers

22 The apostles and the elders, along with the entire church, agreed to send some delegates chosen from among themselves to Antioch, together with Paul and Barnabas. They selected Judas Barsabbas and Silas, who were leaders among the brothers and sisters.
23 They were to carry this letter: The apostles and the elders, to the Gentile brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Greetings!
24 We've heard that some of our number have disturbed you with unsettling words we didn't authorize.
25 We reached a united decision to select some delegates and send them to you along with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul.
26 These people have devoted their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 Therefore, we are sending Judas and Silas. They will confirm what we have written.
28 The Holy Spirit has led us to the decision that no burden should be placed on you other than these essentials:
29 refuse food offered to idols, blood, the meat from strangled animals, and sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid such things. Farewell.
30 When Barnabas, Paul, and the delegates were sent on their way, they went down to Antioch. They gathered the believers and delivered the letter.
31 The people read it, delighted with its encouraging message.
32 Judas and Silas were prophets, and they said many things that encouraged and strengthened the brothers and sisters.
33 Judas and Silas stayed there awhile, then were sent back with a blessing of peace from the brothers and sisters to those who first sent them.
35 Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, where, together with many others, they taught and proclaimed the good news of the Lord's word.

Paul and Barnabas part company

36 Some time later, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit all the brothers and sisters in every city where we preached the Lord's word. Let's see how they are doing."
37 Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them.
38 Paul insisted that they shouldn't take him along, since he had deserted them in Pamphylia and hadn't continued with them in their work.
39 Their argument became so intense that they went their separate ways. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.
40 Paul chose Silas and left, entrusted by the brothers and sisters to the Lord's grace.
41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Critical editions of the Gk New Testament do not include 15:34 Silas decided to remain there.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible