13
When they had finished speaking, James said, "Brethren, listen to me.
14
Symeon has related how God first looked graciously on the Gentiles to take from among them a People to be called by His name.
15
And this is in harmony with the language of the Prophets, which says:
16
"`"Afterwards I will return, and will rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will set it up again;
17
In order that the rest of mankind may earnestly seek the Lord--even all the nations which are called by My name,"
18
Says the Lord, who has been making these things known from ages long past.'
19
"My judgement, therefore, is against inflicting unexpected annoyance on those of the Gentiles who are turning to God.
20
Yet let us send them written instructions to abstain from things polluted by connexion with idolatry, from fornication, from meat killed by strangling, and from blood.
21
For Moses from the earliest times has had his preachers in every town, being read, as he is, Sabbath after Sabbath, in the various synagogues."
22
Thereupon it was decided by the Apostles and Elders, with the approval of the whole Church, to choose suitable persons from among themselves and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas. Judas, called Bar-sabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, were selected,
23
and they took with them the following letter: "The Apostles and the elder brethren send greeting to the Gentile brethren throughout Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.