01 Acts: Very first Council

Acts 15:1 Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.

Acts 15:2 Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question.

Acts 15:5 But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.

Acts 15:6The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.

Acts 15:7 After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.

Acts 15:8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us.

Acts 15:9He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts.

Acts 15:10 Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?

Acts 15:11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.

Acts 15:12 The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.

Acts 15:13 After they had fallen silent, James responded, My brothers, listen to me.

Acts 15:14 Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name.

Acts 15:15 The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written:

Acts 15:16 ’After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it and raise it up again,

Acts 15:17 so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked. Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things, Acts 15:18 known from of old.’

Acts 15:19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God,

Acts 15:20 but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood.

Acts 15:21 For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.

Acts 15:22Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers.

Acts 15:23 This is the letter delivered by them: The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings.

Acts 15:24 Since we have heard that some of our number (who went out) without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind,

Acts 15:25we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Acts 15:26 who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 15:27 So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:

Acts 15:28 ’It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,

Acts 15:29 namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’

Acts 15:30 And so they were sent on their journey. Upon their arrival in Antioch they called the assembly together and delivered the letter.

Acts 15:31 When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation.

Acts 15:32 Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted and strengthened the brothers with many words.

Acts 15:33 After they had spent some time there, they were sent off with greetings of peace from the brothers to those who had commissioned them.

Acts 15:34 But it seemed good unto Silas to remain there: and Judas alone departed to Jerusalem.

Acts 15:35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming with many others the word of the Lord.