14
Simon has explained how God first showed his concern by taking from non-Jewish people those who would honor his name.
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This agrees with what the prophets said. Scripture says,
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'Afterwards, I will return. I will set up David's fallen tent again. I will restore its ruined places again. I will set it up again
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so that the survivors and all the people who aren't Jewish over whom my name is spoken, may search for the Lord, declares the Lord.
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He is the one who will do these things that have always been known!'
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"So I've decided that we shouldn't trouble non-Jewish people who are turning to God.
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Instead, we should write a letter telling them to keep away from things polluted by false gods, from sexual sins, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from eating bloody meat.
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After all, Moses' words have been spread to every city for generations. His teachings are read in synagogues on every day of worship."
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Then the apostles, the spiritual leaders, and the whole church decided to choose some of their men to send with Paul and Barnabas to the city of Antioch. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, who were leaders among the believers.
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They wrote this letter for them to deliver: From the apostles and the spiritual leaders, your brothers. To their non-Jewish brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Dear brothers and sisters,
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We have heard that some individuals who came from us have confused you with statements that disturb you. We did not authorize these men [to speak].