17
So that the rest of men may make search for the Lord, and all the Gentiles on whom my name is named,
18
Says the Lord, who has made these things clear from the earliest times.
19
For this reason my decision is, that we do not put trouble in the way of those who from among the Gentiles are turned to God;
20
But that we give them orders to keep themselves from things offered to false gods, and from the evil desires of the body, and from the flesh of animals put to death in ways against the law, and from blood.
21
For Moses, from times long past, has his preachers in every town, reading his law in the Synagogues every Sabbath.
22
Then it seemed good to the Apostles and the rulers and all the church, to send men from among them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas, named Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers:
23
And they sent a letter by them, saying, The Apostles and the older brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, may joy be with you:
24
Because we have knowledge that some who went from us have been troubling you with their words, putting your souls in doubt; to whom we gave no such order;
25
It seemed good to us, having come to an agreement together, to send these men to you, with our well loved Barnabas and Paul,
26
Men who have given up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27
And so we have sent Judas and Silas, who will say the same things to you themselves, by word of mouth.
28
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to put on you nothing more than these necessary things;
29
To keep from things offered to false gods, and from blood, and from things put to death in ways which are against the law, and from the evil desires of the body; if you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. May you be happy.
30
So they, being sent away, came down to Antioch, and having got the people together, they gave them the letter.
31
And after reading it, they were glad of its comfort.
32
And Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, gave teaching to the brothers and made them strong in the faith.
33
And when they had been there for some time, they were sent back in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.