¹² The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders^(A) God had done among the Gentiles through them.^{(B) 13} When they finished, James^(C) spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. ¹⁴ Simon^[a] has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles.^{(D) 15} The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:

¹⁹ “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. ²⁰ Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols,^(G) from sexual immorality,^(H) from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.^{(I) 21} For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”^(J)

The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers

²² Then the apostles and elders,^(K) with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch^(L) with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas,^(M) men who were leaders among the believers.

1 James,^(A) a servant of God^(B) and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes^(C) scattered^(D) among the nations:

Greetings.^(E)

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(F) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(G) produces perseverance.^{(H) 4} Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(I) and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(J) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^{(K) 6} But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,^(L) because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded^(M) and unstable^(N) in all they do.

⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.^{(O) 10} But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.^{(P) 11} For the sun rises with scorching heat^(Q) and withers^(R) the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.^(S) In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial^(T) because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life^(U) that the Lord has promised to those who love him.^(V)

⁵⁴ Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue,^(A) and they were amazed.^(B) “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. ⁵⁵ “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?^(C) Isn’t his mother’s^(D) name Mary, and aren’t his brothers^(E) James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? ⁵⁶ Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” ⁵⁷ And they took offense^(F) at him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”^(G)

⁵⁸ And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.