13
After they finished speaking, James replied, "Brethren, listen to me.
14
Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15
And with this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written,
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'After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up,
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that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
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says the Lord, who has made these things known from of old.'
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Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,
20
but should write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols and from unchastity and from what is strangled and from blood.
21
For from early generations Moses has had in every city those who preach him, for he is read every sabbath in the synagogues."