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Acts 15
English Standard Version Anglicised
Acts 15
English Standard Version Anglicised
The Jerusalem Council
15 (A)But some men came down from Judea and were teaching (B)the brothers, “Unless you are (C)circumcised (D)according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and (E)debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and (F)some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to (G)the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, (H)being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, (I)describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and (J)brought great joy to all (K)the brothers.[a] 4 (L)When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and (M)the apostles and the elders, and (N)they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to (O)the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, (P)“It is necessary (Q)to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”
6 (R)The (S)apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much (T)debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, (U)that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear (V)the word of (W)the gospel and believe. 8 And God, (X)who knows the heart, (Y)bore witness to them, (Z)by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and (AA)he made no distinction between us and them, (AB)having cleansed their hearts (AC)by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why (AD)are you putting God to the test (AE)by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples (AF)that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we (AG)believe that we will be (AH)saved through (AI)the grace of the Lord Jesus, (AJ)just as they will.”
12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul (AK)as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, (AL)James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 (AM)Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them (AN)a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,
16 (AO)“‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,
17 that the remnant[b] of mankind (AP)may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles (AQ)who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things 18 (AR)known from of old.’
19 Therefore (AS)my judgement is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who (AT)turn to God, 20 but should write to them (AU)to abstain from (AV)the things polluted by idols, and from (AW)sexual immorality, and from (AX)what has been strangled, and from (AY)blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, (AZ)for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
The Council's Letter to Gentile Believers
22 Then it seemed good to (BA)the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called (BB)Barsabbas, and (BC)Silas, leading men among (BD)the brothers, 23 with the following letter: (BE)“The brothers, both (BF)the apostles and the elders, to the brothers[c] who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, (BG)greetings. 24 Since we have heard that (BH)some persons have gone out from us and (BI)troubled you[d] with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come (BJ)to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our (BK)beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 (BL)men who have (BM)risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent (BN)Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good (BO)to the Holy Spirit and (BP)to us (BQ)to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 (BR)that you abstain from (BS)what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves (BT)prophets, encouraged and (BU)strengthened (BV)the brothers with many words. 33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off (BW)in peace by (BX)the brothers to those who had sent them.[e] 35 But (BY)Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Paul and Barnabas Separate
36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit (BZ)the brothers (CA)in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them (CB)John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one (CC)who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose (CD)a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. (CE)Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, (CF)having been commended by (CG)the brothers to (CH)the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, (CI)strengthening the churches.
Footnotes
- Acts 15:3 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 22
- Acts 15:17 Or rest
- Acts 15:23 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 32, 33, 36
- Acts 15:24 Some manuscripts some persons from us have troubled you
- Acts 15:33 Some manuscripts insert verse 34: But it seemed good to Silas to remain there
Hechos 15
La Biblia de las Américas
Hechos 15
La Biblia de las Américas
El problema de los judaizantes
15 Y algunos descendieron de Judea y enseñaban a los hermanos(A): Si no os circuncidáis(B) conforme al rito de Moisés(C), no podéis 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 Y después de mucho debate(R), Pedro se levantó y les dijo: Hermanos[e], vosotros sabéis que en los primeros días[f] Dios escogió de entre vosotros que por mi boca los gentiles oyeran la palabra del evangelio(S) y creyeran(T). 8 Y Dios, que conoce el corazón(U), les dio testimonio dándoles el Espíritu Santo, así como también nos lo dio 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 tentáis 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) respondió, diciendo: Escuchadme, 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 molestemos(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[q](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, os han inquietado(BA) con sus palabras(BB), perturbando vuestras almas, 25 nos pareció bien(BC), habiendo llegado a un común acuerdo[r], escoger algunos hombres para enviarlos a vosotros con nuestros amados Bernabé y Pablo, 26 hombres que han arriesgado[s] su vida(BD) por el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. 27 Por tanto, hemos enviado a Judas y a Silas(BE), quienes también os informarán las mismas cosas verbalmente[t]. 28 Porque pareció bien(BF) al Espíritu Santo(BG) y a nosotros(BH) no imponeros mayor carga que estas cosas esenciales: 29 que os abstengáis de cosas sacrificadas a los ídolos, de sangre, de lo estrangulado y de fornicación(BI). Si os guardáis de tales cosas[u], bien haréis. Pasadlo bien.
Judas y Silas en Antioquía
30 Así que ellos, después de ser despedidos, descendieron a Antioquía(BJ); y reuniendo a la congregación[v], entregaron la carta; 31 y cuando la leyeron, se regocijaron por el consuelo[w] que les impartía. 32 Siendo Judas y Silas(BK) también profetas(BL), exhortaron y confortaron a los hermanos(BM) con un largo mensaje. 33 Y después de pasar allí algún tiempo, fueron despedidos en paz(BN) por los hermanos para volver a aquellos que los habían enviado(BO). 34 [x]Pero a Silas le pareció bien quedarse allí. 35 Mas Pablo y Bernabé(BP) se quedaron en Antioquía, enseñando y predicando con muchos otros, la[y] 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[z] Panfilia(BV) y no los había acompañado en[aa] la obra. 39 Se produjo un desacuerdo tan grande que se separaron el uno del otro, y Bernabé tomó consigo a Marcos(BW) y se embarcó rumbo a Chipre(BX). 40 Mas 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, milagros
- Hechos 15:13 O, Santiago
- 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 15:23 O, presbíteros
- 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 15:35 O, y anunciando las buenas nuevas...de la
- Hechos 15:38 Lit., desde
- Hechos 15:38 Lit., a
Acts 15
New Catholic Bible
Acts 15
New Catholic Bible
Chapter 15
The Council of Jerusalem[a]
The Question of Circumcision. Some men who had come down from Judea were teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised in accordance with the tradition of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 As a result, Paul and Barnabas engaged in a lengthy and acrimonious debate with them, and finally it was decided that Paul and Barnabas and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders.3 So the church sent them on their journey; and as they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported how the Gentiles had been converted, and this news was received with great joy by all the brethren. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Church and by the apostles and the elders, and they gave a report of all that God had accomplished through them. 5 But some from the group of Pharisees who had become believers stood up and declared, “It is necessary for the Gentiles to be circumcised and ordered to observe the Law of Moses.”
Salvation through the Grace of Christ. 6 The apostles and the elders convened to consider this matter. 7 After a long period of debate, Peter stood up to address them. “Brethren,” he said, “you are well aware that in the early days God made his choice among you that it would be through my mouth that the Gentiles would hear the message of the gospel and become believers. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by giving to them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between them and us, for he purified their hearts by faith.
10 “Therefore, why are you determined to try God’s patience by laying a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither we nor our ancestors have found easy to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved in the same way as they are, through the grace of the Lord Jesus.” 12 On hearing this, the whole assembly fell silent, and they listened as Barnabas and Paul described all the signs and wonders that God had worked through them among the Gentiles.
13 James on Dietary Law. After they had finished speaking, James responded, “Brethren, listen to me. 14 Simon[b] has related how God first looked favorably upon the Gentiles and took from among them a people for his name. 15 This agrees with the words of the Prophets, as it is written,
16 ‘After this I will return
and rebuild the fallen tent of David.
From its ruins I will rebuild it
and raise it up again,
17 so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
as well as all the Gentiles whom I have claimed as my own.
Thus says the Lord who is doing this,
18 as he made known from long ago.’
19 “Therefore, I have come to this decision. We should not make things more difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Rather, we should send a letter simply instructing them to abstain from things that have been polluted by idols, from unchastity, from the meat of animals that have been strangled, and from blood. 21 For in every town for many generations, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he is read aloud in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
22 The Letter of the Apostles. Then the apostles and the elders, with the approval of the whole Church, decided to choose representatives from their number and to send them with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. They sent Judas, who was called Barsabbas,[c] and Silas, leaders in the community, 23 to deliver the following letter:
The apostles and the elders, your brethren,
To the brethren in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24 It has come to our attention that some of our number, without having received any instructions from us, have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind. 25 Therefore, we have decided unanimously to choose representatives and send them to you together with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 And so we are sending Judas and Silas who will confirm these things by word of mouth.
28 It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and also our decision not to lay any further burden upon you beyond these essentials: 29 you are to abstain from food that has been sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of animals that have been strangled, and from unchastity. If you avoid these, you will be doing what is right.
Farewell.
30 Delegates at Antioch. So the men departed. When they reached Antioch, they summoned together the entire congregation and delivered the letter. 31 Upon reading it, the community rejoiced at its encouragement.
32 Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, spoke at length to strengthen and encourage the brethren. 33 After they had spent some time there, they were sent off in peace by the brethren to return to those who had sent them. 34 [But Silas decided to remain there.][d] 35 Meanwhile, Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where, along with many others, they taught and proclaimed the word of God.
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey[e]
36 Paul and Barnabas Separate.[f] After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brethren in all the cities where we proclaimed the word of the Lord so that we can see how they are progressing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul was adamant about not taking with them a man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued to share in their work.
39 As a result, there was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas sailed to Cyprus with Mark. 40 However, Paul chose Silas and set out on his journey, as the brethren commended him to the grace of the Lord.
41 Pastoral Visit to Asia Minor.[g] He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, bringing strength to the churches.
Footnotes
- Acts 15:1 Christian communities have sprung up everywhere and include converts from both Jews and Gentiles. Radical problems have also arisen. The Church is clearly aware that she exists thanks only to the union of the two very contrasting portions of humanity of that time: Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15:14-17); this union should express the true reality of salvation in Jesus Christ. What we see here is an authentically theological inquiry, which consists in interpreting the experience of the apostles’ encounters with the Gentiles and shedding light on them from the Scriptures.
1
As they reflect on the words of the Prophets, the members of the Council realize that the People of God, with which all the prophecies are concerned, exists in its full reality only at the moment when Gentile inquiry meets the original nucleus of Jewish testimonies. However, the practical decisions made are more cautious than the great theological statements. The Council asks for the observance of some elementary precepts that no Jew can abandon and that people know almost everywhere.
They are not to eat meat that has been sacrificed, because this would signify a fellowship with the divinities of the Gentiles (see 1 Cor 10:18-20). They are to avoid illegitimate unions (“unchastity”). They are not to eat flesh with blood in it (“[abstain] from the meat of animals that have been strangled, and from blood” [v. 20]), since according to the mind of the time blood was the sacred principle of life. The last two concern dietary laws (see Gen 9:14; Lev 3:17; Deut 12:16, 23; 1 Sam 14:34; Ezek 33:25).
All agree on these theological principles and their practical consequences. What a staggering sentence we read here for the first time, one that has passed from the Council to our own day: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and also our decision”! - Acts 15:14 Simon: the Greek text has “Simeon.” “Simon,” the Semitic name of Peter, is unusual but fits well on the lips of James, who was very attached to Jewish culture.
- Acts 15:22 Barsabbas: otherwise unknown. Silas is perhaps Paul’s coworker (from Acts 15:40 on).
- Acts 15:34 This verse is lacking in the better manuscripts.
- Acts 15:36 The planned visit to the communities already established turns into the “second missionary journey,” during which the Gospel enters into the daily life and culture of the Greco-Roman world.
- Acts 15:36 The choice of members of the team is not without difficult but normal confrontations. Attitudes toward John Mark lie at the origin of the tension (see Acts 13:5; 13:13). Finally, two teams are formed for two different projects. Barnabas takes John with him, and Paul takes Silas.
- Acts 15:41 Paul is opposed in principle to the circumcision of Christians of non-Jewish origin, but Timothy is a special case. If he were not circumcised, he could not speak in a synagogue and, in addition, he would have been regarded as an apostate, since his mother was Jewish; in the present missionary program, the first contacts were still taking place in the synagogues. The Spirit mysteriously intervenes to decide which direction the mission is to take. The whole Book of Acts is written in this perspective: the entire spread of the Gospel has been guided by the Spirit (see 1 Pet 1:12).
Acts 15
New International Version
Acts 15
New International Version
The Council at Jerusalem
15 Certain people(A) came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers:(B) “Unless you are circumcised,(C) according to the custom taught by Moses,(D) you cannot be saved.” 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem(E) to see the apostles and elders(F) about this question. 3 The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia(G) and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted.(H) This news made all the believers very glad. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.(I)
5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party(J) of the Pharisees(K) stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”(L)
6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.(M) 8 God, who knows the heart,(N) showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them,(O) just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them,(P) for he purified their hearts by faith.(Q) 10 Now then, why do you try to test God(R) by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke(S) that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace(T) of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders(U) God had done among the Gentiles through them.(V) 13 When they finished, James(W) 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.(X) 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:
16 “‘After this I will return
and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
Its ruins I will rebuild,
and I will restore it,
17 that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
even all the Gentiles who bear my name,
says the Lord, who does these things’[b](Y)—
18 things known from long ago.[c](Z)
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,(AA) from sexual immorality,(AB) from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.(AC) 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.”(AD)
The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers
22 Then the apostles and elders,(AE) with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch(AF) with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas,(AG) men who were leaders among the believers. 23 With them they sent the following letter:
The apostles and elders, your brothers,
To the Gentile believers in Antioch,(AH) Syria(AI) and Cilicia:(AJ)
Greetings.(AK)
24 We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.(AL) 25 So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— 26 men who have risked their lives(AM) for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas(AN) to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit(AO) and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.(AP) You will do well to avoid these things.
Farewell.
30 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas,(AQ) who themselves were prophets,(AR) said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace(AS) to return to those who had sent them. [34] [d] 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached(AT) the word of the Lord.(AU)
Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas
36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns(AV) where we preached the word of the Lord(AW) and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark,(AX) with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them(AY) in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas(AZ) and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.(BA) 41 He went through Syria(BB) and Cilicia,(BC) strengthening the churches.(BD)
Footnotes
- Acts 15:14 Greek Simeon, a variant of Simon; that is, Peter
- Acts 15:17 Amos 9:11,12 (see Septuagint)
- Acts 15:18 Some manuscripts things’— / 18 the Lord’s work is known to him from long ago
- Acts 15:34 Some manuscripts include here But Silas decided to remain there.
Acts 15
King James Version
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.
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