Book of Common Prayer

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.

¹⁷ Then Jesus went, and found that Lazarus had lain in his grave four days already. ¹⁸ Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off, ¹⁹ and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them over their brother. ²⁰ Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him, but Mary sat still in the house.

²¹ Then Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not be dead. ²² But nevertheless, I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you. ²³ Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. ²⁴ Martha said to him, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

²⁵ Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes on me, yea though he be dead, yet shall he live. ²⁶ And whoever lives and believes on me shall never die. Do you believe this?

²⁷ She said to him, Yes, Lord. I believe that you are Christ, the Son of God who was to come into the world.

²⁸ And as soon as she had so said, she went her way and called Mary her sister quietly, saying, The Teacher has come and is calling for you. ²⁹ And Mary, as soon as she heard that, arose quickly and went to him.