Acts 15
King James Version
15 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Acts 15
Amplified Bible
The Council at Jerusalem
15 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised in accordance with the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”(A) 2 Paul and Barnabas disagreed greatly and debated with them, so it was determined that Paul and Barnabas and some of the others from their group would go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders [and confer with them] concerning this issue. 3 So, after being supplied and sent on their way by the church, they went through both Phoenicia and Samaria telling in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the [a]believers. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received warmly by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported to them all the things that God had accomplished through them. 5 But some from the sect of the Pharisees who had believed [in Jesus as the Messiah] stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise the Gentile converts and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.”
6 The apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. 7 After a long debate, Peter got up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the message of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows and understands the heart, testified to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; 9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith [in Jesus]. 10 Now then, why are you testing God by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to endure? 11 But we believe that we are saved through the [precious, undeserved] grace of the Lord Jesus [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us eternal life], in just the same way as they are.”
12 All the people remained silent, and they listened [attentively] to Barnabas and Paul as they described all the signs and wonders (attesting miracles) that God had done through them among the Gentiles.
James’ Judgment
13 When they had finished speaking, [b]James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 [c]Simeon (Simon Peter) has described how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name [to honor Him and be identified with Him]. 15 The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written [in Scripture],
16
‘After these things I will return,
And I will rebuild the tent of David which has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will restore it,
17
So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
And all the Gentiles upon whom My name has been invoked,’
18
Says the Lord,
Who has been making these things known from long ago.(B)
19 Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble and make it difficult for those who are turning to God among the Gentiles [by putting obstacles in their way], 20 but that we write to them that they are to abstain from [d]anything that has been contaminated by [being offered to] idols and from sexual impurity and from [eating the meat of] what has been strangled and from [the consumption of] [e]blood. 21 For from ancient generations [the writing of] Moses has been preached in every city, since [f]he is read aloud in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
22 Then the apostles and the elders, together with the whole church, decided to select some of their men to go to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas [also called Silvanus, both], leading men among the brothers. 23 With them they sent the following letter:
“The apostles and the brothers who are the elders, to the brothers and sisters who are from the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, Greetings.
24 Since we have heard that some of our men have troubled you with their teachings, causing distress and confusion—men to whom we gave no such orders or instructions— 25 it has been decided by us, having met together, to select 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 report by word of mouth the same things [that we decided in our meeting]. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place on you any greater burden than these essentials: 29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from [consuming] blood, and from [eating the meat of] things that have been strangled, and from sexual impurity. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell.”
30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch; and after assembling the congregation, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, the people rejoiced greatly at the encouragement and comfort [it brought them]. 32 Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets (divinely inspired spokesmen), encouraged and strengthened the [g]believers with many words. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent back by the brothers with [the greeting of] peace to those who had sent them. 34 [h][However, Silas decided to stay there.] 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, and with many others also continued teaching and proclaiming the good news, the word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through faith in Christ].
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers and sisters (believers) in every city where we preached the message of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take [his cousin] John, who was called Mark, along with them. 38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take along with them the one who had quit and deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 And it became such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took [John] Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas [who was again in Antioch] and set out [on his second journey], commended by the brothers to the grace and favor of the Lord. 41 And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Footnotes
- Acts 15:3 Lit brethren.
- Acts 15:13 Jesus’ half brother, James, was leader of the church in Jerusalem.
- Acts 15:14 This Greek transliteration of Peter’s Hebrew name is also used in 2 Pet 1:1.
- Acts 15:20 Lit the pollutions of idols.
- Acts 15:20 For the OT prohibition against eating blood, and the reasons for it, see Lev 17:10-14. There, in v 13, hunters are instructed to pour out the blood of an animal before eating it.
- Acts 15:21 I.e. the first five books of the OT, Gen through Deut.
- Acts 15:32 Lit brethren.
- Acts 15:34 Early mss do not contain this v.
Hechos 15
Nueva Biblia de las Américas
El problema de los judaizantes
15 Algunos que llegaron de Judea enseñaban a los hermanos(A): «Si no se circuncidan(B) conforme al rito de Moisés(C), no pueden ser salvos(D)». 2 Como Pablo y Bernabé tuvieran gran[a] disensión y debate(E) con ellos, los hermanos determinaron[b] que Pablo y Bernabé, y algunos otros de ellos subieran a Jerusalén(F) a los apóstoles y a los ancianos(G) para tratar esta cuestión.
3 Así que, siendo enviados por la iglesia(H), pasaron por Fenicia(I) y Samaria, relatando detalladamente la conversión de los gentiles(J), y causaban gran gozo a todos los hermanos(K). 4 Cuando llegaron a Jerusalén, fueron recibidos por la iglesia, los apóstoles y los ancianos(L), e informaron de todo lo que Dios había hecho con ellos(M). 5 Pero algunos de la secta(N) de los fariseos(O) que habían creído se levantaron diciendo: «Es necesario circuncidarlos(P) y mandarles que guarden la ley de Moisés».
El concilio de Jerusalén
6 Entonces los apóstoles y los ancianos(Q) se reunieron para considerar[c] este asunto[d]. 7 Después de mucho debate(R), Pedro se levantó y les dijo: «Hermanos[e], ustedes saben que en los primeros días[f] Dios escogió de entre ustedes que por mi boca los gentiles oyeran la palabra del evangelio(S) y creyeran(T). 8 Dios, que conoce el corazón(U), les dio testimonio dándoles el Espíritu Santo, al igual que a nosotros(V); 9 y ninguna distinción hizo entre nosotros y ellos(W), purificando por la fe sus corazones(X).
10 »Ahora pues, ¿por qué tientan a Dios(Y) poniendo sobre el cuello de los discípulos un yugo que ni nuestros padres ni nosotros hemos podido llevar(Z)? 11 Creemos más bien que somos salvos por la gracia del Señor Jesús(AA), de la misma manera que ellos también lo son».
12 Toda la multitud hizo silencio, y escuchaban a Bernabé y a Pablo, que relataban las señales[g] y prodigios(AB) que Dios había hecho entre los gentiles por medio de ellos(AC). 13 Cuando terminaron de hablar, Jacobo[h](AD) tomó la palabra y dijo: «Escúchenme, hermanos. 14 Simón[i](AE) ha relatado cómo Dios al principio tuvo a bien[j] tomar de entre los gentiles un pueblo para Su nombre. 15 Y con esto concuerdan las palabras de los profetas(AF), tal como está escrito:
16 “(AG)Después de esto volveré(AH),
Y reedificaré el tabernáculo[k] de David que ha caído.
Y reedificaré sus ruinas,
Y lo levantaré de nuevo,
17 Para que el resto de los hombres busque al Señor(AI),
Y todos los gentiles[l] que son llamados por Mi nombre[m](AJ)”,
18 Dice el Señor(AK), que hace saber todo esto[n] desde tiempos antiguos(AL).
19 »Por tanto, yo opino que no debemos molestar(AM) a los que de entre los gentiles se convierten a Dios, 20 sino que les escribamos que se abstengan de cosas contaminadas[o] por los ídolos(AN), de fornicación, de lo estrangulado y de sangre(AO). 21 Porque Moisés desde generaciones antiguas tiene en cada ciudad quienes lo prediquen, pues todos los días de reposo es leído(AP) en las sinagogas».
La carta del concilio a los gentiles
22 Entonces pareció bien a los apóstoles y a los ancianos(AQ), con toda la iglesia, escoger de entre ellos algunos hombres para enviarlos a Antioquía(AR) con Pablo y Bernabé: a Judas, llamado Barsabás, y a Silas(AS), hombres prominentes entre los hermanos(AT), 23 y enviaron esta carta con ellos[p]:
«Los apóstoles, y los hermanos que son ancianos(AU), a los hermanos(AV) en Antioquía(AW), Siria(AX) y Cilicia(AY) que son de los gentiles, saludos(AZ).
24 Puesto que hemos oído que algunos de entre nosotros, a quienes no autorizamos, los han inquietado(BA) con sus palabras(BB), perturbando sus almas, 25 nos pareció bien(BC), habiendo llegado a un común acuerdo[q], escoger algunos hombres para enviarlos a ustedes con nuestros amados Bernabé y Pablo. 26 Estos hombres han arriesgado[r] su vida(BD) por el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. 27 Por tanto, hemos enviado a Judas y a Silas(BE), quienes también les informarán las mismas cosas verbalmente[s]. 28 Porque pareció bien(BF) al Espíritu Santo(BG) y a nosotros(BH) no imponerles mayor carga que estas cosas esenciales: 29 que se abstengan de lo que ha sido sacrificado a los ídolos, de sangre, de la carne de animales que han sido estrangulados y de fornicación(BI). Si se guardan de tales cosas[t], harán bien. Pásenla bien».
Judas y Silas en Antioquía
30 Así que ellos, después de ser despedidos, descendieron a Antioquía(BJ); y reuniendo a la congregación[u], entregaron la carta. 31 Cuando los hermanos la leyeron, se regocijaron por el consuelo[v] que les impartía. 32 Siendo Judas y Silas(BK) también profetas(BL), exhortaron y confortaron a los hermanos(BM) con un largo mensaje.
33 Después de pasar allí algún tiempo, fueron despedidos en paz(BN) por los hermanos para volver a aquellos que los habían enviado(BO). 34 [w]Pero a Silas le pareció bien quedarse allí. 35 También Pablo y Bernabé(BP) se quedaron en Antioquía, enseñando y proclamando con muchos otros, las buenas nuevas de la palabra(BQ) del Señor(BR).
Pablo y Bernabé se separan
36 Después de algunos días Pablo dijo a Bernabé: «Volvamos y visitemos a los hermanos en todas las ciudades(BS) donde hemos proclamado la palabra del Señor(BT), para ver cómo están». 37 Bernabé quería llevar también con ellos a Juan, llamado Marcos(BU), 38 pero Pablo consideraba que no debían llevar consigo a quien los había desertado en[x] Panfilia(BV) y no los había acompañado en[y] la obra. 39 Se produjo un desacuerdo tan grande que se separaron el uno del otro. Bernabé tomó consigo a Marcos(BW) y se embarcó rumbo a Chipre(BX), 40 pero Pablo escogió a Silas(BY) y partió, siendo encomendado por los hermanos a la gracia del Señor(BZ). 41 Y viajaba por Siria(CA) y Cilicia(CB) confirmando a las iglesias.
Footnotes
- Hechos 15:2 Lit. no pequeña.
- Hechos 15:2 Lit. se determinó.
- Hechos 15:6 Lit. para ver sobre.
- Hechos 15:6 Lit. esta palabra.
- Hechos 15:7 Lit. Varones hermanos, y así en el vers. 13.
- Hechos 15:7 Lit. desde los días antiguos.
- Hechos 15:12 O los milagros.
- Hechos 15:13 O Santiago, hermano de Jesús.
- Hechos 15:14 O Simeón.
- Hechos 15:14 Lit. se interesó en.
- Hechos 15:16 O la tienda.
- Hechos 15:17 O todas las naciones.
- Hechos 15:17 Lit. sobre quienes mi nombre es invocado.
- Hechos 15:18 O que hace estas cosas conocidas.
- Hechos 15:20 Lit. las contaminaciones.
- Hechos 15:23 Lit. escribieron por mano de ellos.
- Hechos 15:25 O habiéndonos reunido.
- Hechos 15:26 Lit. entregado.
- Hechos 15:27 Lit. de palabra.
- Hechos 15:29 Lit. de los cuales absteniendo.
- Hechos 15:30 O multitud.
- Hechos 15:31 O la exhortación.
- Hechos 15:34 Muchos mss. no incluyen el vers. 34.
- Hechos 15:38 Lit. desde.
- Hechos 15:38 Lit. a.
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