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And these things have been known for a long time.'
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"So I think we should not bother the non-Jewish people who are turning to God.
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Instead, we should write a letter to them telling them these things: Stay away from food that has been offered to idols (which makes it unclean), any kind of sexual sin, eating animals that have been strangled, and blood.
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They should do these things, because for a long time in every city the law of Moses has been taught. And it is still read in the synagogue every Sabbath day."
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The apostles, the elders, and the whole church decided to send some of their men with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. They chose Judas Barsabbas and Silas, who were respected by the believers.
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They sent the following letter with them: From the apostles and elders, your brothers. To all the non-Jewish believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings!
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We have heard that some of our group have come to you and said things that trouble and upset you. But we did not tell them to do this.
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We have all agreed to choose some messengers and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul --
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people who have given their lives to serve our Lord Jesus Christ.
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So we are sending Judas and Silas, who will tell you the same things.
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It has pleased the Holy Spirit that you should not have a heavy load to carry, and we agree. You need to do only these things: