1 Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 After Paul and Barnabas had a sharp dispute and debate with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some others from among them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. 3 So, sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “They must be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.”

6 The apostles and elders gathered to consider this matter. 7 After much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that some time ago God chose me from among you so that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit just as to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 Now, then, why are you putting God to the test by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”

12 The whole assembly fell silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul recount all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has recounted how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people for his name. 15 The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:

19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

22 Then the apostles and elders, together with the whole church, decided to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, leading men among the brothers. 23 They sent this letter by their hands: “The apostles and elders, your brothers, to the brothers from among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with their words and unsettled your souls, though we gave them no instructions, 25 we have agreed together to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 So we have sent Judas and Silas, who will also tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no further burden on you beyond these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell.”

30 So they were sent off and went down to Antioch, gathered the congregation, and delivered the letter. 31 When they read it, they rejoiced at its encouragement. 32 Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. 34 [But Silas thought it best to stay there.] 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the good news of the word of the Lord, along with many others.

36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. 38 But Paul thought they should not take along the man who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 A sharp disagreement arose, so that they separated from one another. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.