Acts 15
Wycliffe Bible
15 And some men came down from Judaea, and taught brethren, That but ye be circumcised after the law of Moses, ye be not able to be made safe [ye be not able to be saved].
2 Therefore when there was made not a little dissension to Paul and Barnabas against them, they ordained, that Paul and Barnabas, and some others of them, should go up to the apostles and priests in Jerusalem, on this question.
3 And so they were led forth of the church, and passed by Phenice and Samaria; and they told the conversation of heathen men [Therefore they, led forth of the church, passed by Phenice and Samaria; telling the living of heathen men], and they made great joy to all the brethren.
4 And when they came to Jerusalem, they were received of the church and of the apostles, and of the elder men, and told, how great things God did with them. [Soothly when they came to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles, and elder men, and told how many things God did with them.]
5 But some of the heresy of the Pharisees, that believed, rose up, and said, [rised, saying], That it behooveth them to be circumcised, and to command to keep also the law of Moses.
6 And the apostles and elder men came together, to see of this word.
7 And when there was made a great seeking thereof, Peter rose, and said to them, Brethren, ye know [Men brethren, ye know], that of old days in you God chose by my mouth heathen men, to hear the word of the gospel, and to believe;
8 and God, that knew the hearts, bare witnessing, and gave to them the Holy Ghost [giving to them the Holy Ghost], as also to us;
9 and nothing diversed betwixt [between] us and them, cleansing the hearts of them by faith.
10 Now then what tempt ye God [Now therefore what tempt ye God], to put a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither we, neither our fathers might bear?
11 But by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we believe to be saved, as also they.
12 And all the multitude held peace, and heard Barnabas and Paul, telling how great signs and wonders [how many signs and wonders] God did by them in heathen men.
13 And after that they held peace, James answered, and said, Brethren, hear ye me [James answered, saying, Men brethren, hear me].
14 Simon told, how God visited, first to take of heathen men a people to his name. [Simon told, how first God visited, to take of heathen men a people to his name.]
15 And the words of prophets accord to him [And to him the words of prophets accord], as it is written,
16 After this I shall turn again, and build the tabernacle of David, that fell down; and I shall build again the cast down things of it, and I shall raise it;
17 that other men seek the Lord [that others of men seek the Lord], and all folks on whom my name is called to help; the Lord doing this thing, saith.
18 From the world, the work of the Lord is known to the Lord. [From the world, to the Lord his work is known.]
19 For which thing I deem them that of heathen men be converted to God, to be not dis-eased [to be not unquieted, or dis-eased],
20 but to write to them, that they abstain them from defoulings of maumets [that they abstain them from defoulings of simulacra], and from fornication, and strangled things, and blood.
21 For Moses of old times hath in all cities them that preach him in synagogues, whereby each sabbath he is read.
22 Then it pleased to the apostles, and to the elder men [and elder men], with all the church, to choose men of them, and send to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, Judas, that was named Barsabas, and Silas, the first men among brethren;
23 and wrote by the hands of them, Apostles and elder brethren to them that be at Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia, brethren of heathen men, greeting.
24 For we heard that some went out from us, and troubled you with words, and turned upside-down your souls [turning upside-down your souls], to which men we commanded not,
25 it pleased to us gathered into one, to choose men, and send to you, with our most dear-worthy Barnabas and Paul,
26 men that gave their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 Therefore we sent Judas and Silas, and they shall tell the same things to you by words.
28 For it is seen to the Holy Ghost and to us, to put to you nothing more of charge, than these needful things,
29 that ye abstain you from the offered things of maumets [that ye abstain you from the offered things of simulacra], and blood strangled, and fornication. From which ye keeping you, shall do well. Fare ye well.
30 Therefore they were let go, and came down to Antioch; and when the multitude was gathered, they took the epistle; [Therefore they dismissed, came down to Antioch; and, when the multitude was gathered, they betook the epistle;]
31 which when they had read, they joyed on the comfort.
32 And Judas and Silas and they, for they were prophets, comforted brethren, and confirmed [them] with full many words. [Forsooth Judas and Silas and they, when they were prophets, with full much word comforted brethren, and confirmed them.]
33 But after that they had been there a little while, they were let go of brethren with peace [they were dismissed, or left, with peace of brethren], to them that had sent them.
34 But it was seen to Silas, to dwell there; and Judas went alone to Jerusalem.
35 And Paul and Barnabas dwelt at Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with others many [with many others].
36 But after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, Turn we again, and visit we brethren by all cities [Paul said to Barnabas, We turning again, visit our brethren by all cities], in which we have preached the word of the Lord, how they have them.
37 And Barnabas would take with him John, that was named Mark.
38 But Paul prayed him, that he that departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them into the work, should not be received.
39 And dissension was made, so that they departed atwain. And Barnabas took Mark, and came by boat to Cyprus.
40 And Paul chose Silas, and went forth from the brethren, and was betaken to the grace of God. [Forsooth Paul chose Silas, and went forth, taken to the grace of God from brethren.]
41 And he went by Syria and Cilicia, and confirmed the church, commanding to keep the behests of the apostles and elder men.[a]
Footnotes
- Acts 15:41 Forsooth he went by Syria and Cilicia, confirming the church, commanding to keep the precepts of the apostles and elder men.
Acts 15
New Matthew Bible
Disagreement about circumcision. The apostles bring peace to the matter at Jerusalem, and Paul and Barnabas preach at Antioch.
15 Then certain men came from Judea and taught the brethren, Unless you are circumcised as observed by Moses, you cannot be saved. 2 And when dissension arose, and Paul and Barnabas had set themselves hard against them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. 3 And after they were brought on their way by the congregation, they passed over Phoenicia and Samaria, telling about the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brethren.
4 And when they got to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the congregation, and by the apostles and elders. And they described what things God had done by them. 5 Then there rose up certain men of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying that it was necessary to circumcise the Gentiles, and to enjoin them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.
7 And when there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said to them, Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, and gave to them the Holy Spirit, even as he did to us. 9 And he put no difference between them and us, but with faith purified their hearts. 10 Now therefore why do you tempt God, and put a yoke on the disciples’ necks that 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, as they do.
12 Then all the company was silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul, who told what signs and wonders God had shown among the Gentiles by them.
13 And afterward, while they held their peace, James spoke, saying, Men and brethren, listen to me. 14 Simon told how God at the beginning visited the Gentiles and took out of them people for his name. 15 And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written: 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and that which is fallen into decay of it, I will build again; and I will set it up, 17 so that the rest of mankind may seek after the Lord, even all the Gentiles upon whom my name is named, 18 says the Lord who does all these things.
Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Therefore my recommendation is that we not trouble those who from among the Gentiles are turned to God, 20 but that we write to them to keep themselves from the defilement of idols, from fornication, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses since ancient times has had those who preach him in every city, and he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.
22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders with the whole congregation to send men chosen from their own company to Antioch (in Syria) with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas, called also Barsabas, and Silas, who were chief men among the brethren, 23 and gave them letters in their hands as follows:
The apostles, elders, and brethren send greetings to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. 24 Since we have heard that certain men who departed from us have troubled you with words and unsettled your minds, saying you must be circumcised and keep the law – to whom we gave no such instruction – 25 it seemed therefore to us a good thing, when we came together with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also tell you the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to put no greater burden upon you than these necessary things, 29 that is to say, to abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and fornication. From which, if you keep yourselves, you will do well. So fare ye well.
30 When they departed, they went to Antioch, and gathered the whole community together and delivered the epistle. 31 When they had read it, the people were glad of that consolation. 32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets, exhorted the brethren with much preaching, and strengthened them. 33 And after they had stayed there a little while, they were let go in peace from the brethren to the apostles. 34 Notwithstanding, it pleased Silas to remain there still. 35 Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord with many others.
36 But after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every place where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing. 37 And Barnabas gave counsel to take with them John, called also Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it good to take him into their company, who had departed from them at Pamphylia and not gone with them to the work. 39 And the dissension was so sharp between them that they separated one from the other. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, 40 and Paul chose Silas and departed, committed by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through all Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the congregations.
Acts 15
1599 Geneva Bible
15 1 Certain go about to bring in circumcision at Antioch: 6 About which matter the Apostles consult: 19 and what must be done 23 they declare by letters. 36 Paul and Barnabas 39 are at great variance.
1 Then [a]came down [b]certain from Judea, and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 [c]And when there was great dissension, and disputation by Paul and Barnabas against them, they ordained that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question.
3 Thus [d]being brought forth by the Church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought 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 what things God had done by them.
5 But said they, certain of the sect of the Pharisees, which did believe, rose up, saying that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses.
6 [e]Then the Apostles and Elders came together to look to this matter.
7 And when there had been great disputation, Peter rose up, and said unto them, (A)[f]Ye men and brethren, ye know that a [g]good while ago, among us God chose out me, 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, in giving unto them the holy Ghost even as he did unto us.
9 And he put no [h]difference between us and them, after that (B)[i]by faith he had purified their hearts.
10 [j]Now therefore, why [k]tempt ye God, to (C)lay a yoke on the disciples’ necks, which neither our fathers, nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe, through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved, even as they do.
12 [l]Then all the multitude kept silence, and heard Barnabas and Paul, which told what signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles by them.
13 And when they held their peace, [m]James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me.
14 [n]Simeon hath declared, how God first did visit the Gentiles, to take of them a people unto his Name.
15 And to this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written,
16 (D)After this I will return, and will build again the Tabernacle of David, which is fallen down, and the ruins thereof will I build again, 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 which doeth all these things.
18 From the beginning of the world, God [o]knoweth all his works.
19 [p]Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them of the Gentiles that are turned to God,
20 But that we send unto them, that they abstain themselves from [q]filthiness of idols, and fornication, and that is strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, seeing he is read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day.
22 [r]Then it seemed good to the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: to wit, Judas whose surname was Barsabas, and Silas, which were chief men among the brethren,
23 And wrote letters by them after this manner, THE APOSTLES, and the Elders, and the brethren, Unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch, and in Syria, and in Cilicia, send greeting.
24 [s]Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which [t]went out from us, have troubled you with words, and [u]cumbered your minds, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the Law: to whom we gave no such commandment,
25 It seemed therefore good to us, when we were come together with one accord, to [send] chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul.
26 Men that have [v]given up their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, which shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 [w]For it seemed good to the [x]holy Ghost, and [y]to us, to lay no more burden upon you, than these [z]necessary things.
29 [aa]That is, that ye abstain from things offered to idols, and blood, and that that is strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
30 [ab]Now when they were departed, they came to Antioch, and after that they had assembled the multitude, they delivered the Epistle,
31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.
32 And Judas and Silas being Prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and strengthened them.
33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in [ac]peace of the brethren unto the Apostles.
34 Notwithstanding Silas thought good to abide there still.
35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others the word of the Lord.
36 ¶ [ad]But after certain days, Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return and visit our brethren in every city, where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 [ae]And Barnabas counseled to take with them John, called Mark.
38 But Paul thought it not meet to take him unto their company, which departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 [af]Then were they so [ag]stirred, that they departed asunder one from the other, so that Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus.
40 And Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended of the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, establishing the Churches.
Footnotes
- Acts 15:1 The Church is at length troubled with dissension within itself, and the trouble riseth of the proud and stubborn wits of certain evil men: The first strife was concerning the office of Christ, whether we be saved by his only righteousness apprehended by faith, or we have need also to observe the Law.
- Acts 15:1 Epiphanius is of opinion that this was Cerinthus.
- Acts 15:2 Meetings of Congregations were instituted to suppress heresies, whereunto certain were sent by common consent in the name of all.
- Acts 15:3 Courteously and lovingly brought on their way by the Church, that is, by certain appointed by the Church.
- Acts 15:6 The matter is first handled, both parts being heard in the assembly of the Apostles and ancients, and after is communicated with the people.
- Acts 15:7 God himself in calling of the Gentiles which are uncircumcised, did teach that our salvation doth consist in faith without the worship appointed by the Law.
- Acts 15:7 Word for word, of old time, that is, even from the first time that we were commanded to preach the Gospel, and straightways after that the holy Ghost came down upon us.
- Acts 15:9 He put no difference between us and them, as touching the benefit of his free favor.
- Acts 15:9 Christ pronounceth them Blessed, which are pure of heart: and here we are plainly taught that men are made such by faith.
- Acts 15:10 Peter passing from the Ceremonies to the Law itself in general, showeth that none could be saved, if salvation were to be sought for by the Law, and not by grace only in Jesus Christ; because that no man could ever fulfil the Law, neither Patriarch, nor Apostle.
- Acts 15:10 Why tempt ye God, as though he could not save by faith?
- Acts 15:12 A true pattern of a lawful Council, where God’s truth only reigneth.
- Acts 15:13 The son of Alphaeus, who is called the Lord’s brother.
- Acts 15:14 James confirmeth the calling of the Gentiles, out of the word of God, therein agreeing to Peter.
- Acts 15:18 And therefore nothing cometh to pass by fortune, but by God’s appointment.
- Acts 15:19 In matters indifferent we may so far bear with the weakness of our brethren, as they may have time to be instructed.
- Acts 15:20 From sacrifices or from feasts which were kept in idols’ Temples.
- Acts 15:22 In a lawful Synod, neither they which are appointed and chosen Judges, appoint and determine anything tyrannously or upon a lordliness, neither doth the common multitude set themselves tumultuously against them, which sit as Judges by the word of God: as the like order also is held in publishing and ratifying those things which have been so determined and agreed upon.
- Acts 15:24 The Council of Jerusalem concludeth, that they trouble men’s consciences, which teach us to seek salvation in any other means than in Christ only, apprehended by faith, from whence soever they come, and whomsoever they pretend to be author of their vocation.
- Acts 15:24 From our congregation.
- Acts 15:24 A borrowed kind of speech taken of them which pull down that that was built up: and it is a very usual metaphor in the Scriptures: to say the Church is built, for, the Church is planted and stablished.
- Acts 15:26 Have greatly hazarded their lives.
- Acts 15:28 That is, a lawful Council, which the holy Ghost ruleth.
- Acts 15:28 First they made mention of the holy Ghost, that it may not seem to be any man’s work.
- Acts 15:28 Not that men have any authority of themselves, but to show the faithfulness that they used in their ministry and labor.
- Acts 15:28 This was no precise necessity, but in respect of the state of that time, that the Gentiles and the Jews might more peaceably live together with less occasion of quarrel.
- Acts 15:29 Charity is required even in things indifferent.
- Acts 15:30 It is requisite for all people to know certainly what to hold in matters of faith and religion, and not that the Church by ignorance and knowing nothing, should depend upon the pleasure of a few.
- Acts 15:33 This is an Hebrew kind of speech, which is as much to say, as the brethren wished them all prosperous success, and the Church dismissed them with good leave.
- Acts 15:36 Congregations or Churches do easily degenerate, unless they be diligently seen unto, and therefore went these Apostles to oversee such as they had planted, and for this cause also Synods were instituted and appointed.
- Acts 15:37 A lamentable example of discord between excellent men and very great friends, yet not for profane or their private affairs, neither yet for doctrine.
- Acts 15:39 God useth the faults of his servants to the profit and building of his Church, yet we have to take heed, even in the best matters that we pass not measure in our heat.
- Acts 15:39 They were in great heat: but herein we have to consider the force of God’s counsel: for by this means it came to pass, that the doctrine of the Gospel was exercised in many places.
2001 by Terence P. Noble
Copyright © 2016 by Ruth Magnusson (Davis). Includes emendations to February 2022. All rights reserved.
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
