The Dispute over Circumcision

1AND certain persons coming down from Judea taught the brethren, That if ye are not circumcised according to the ordinances of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2There being therefore no small contention and dispute maintained by Paul and Barnabas against them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of their body, should go up to the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem, for the decision of this question. 3They therefore being sent on their way by the church, passed through Ph?nicia and Samaria, giving a particular narrative of the conversion of the Gentiles: and they gave great joy to all the brethren. 4Then when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were cordially received by the church, and the apostles and presbyters, and they related how great things God had done by them.

The Council at Jerusalem
(Galatians 2:1–10)

5But up rose some of the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of Moses.

6Then the apostles and presbyters were assembled to consider of this matter. 7When after much dispute, Peter arose, and said unto them,Men and brethren, ye know that a considerable time ago God chose among us, by my mouth, that the Gentiles should hear the gospel-word, and believe. 8And God, who is the discerner of the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as to us; 9and made no difference betwixt either us or them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10Why then now tempt ye God, by imposing a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the same way as they.

12Then the whole multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, relating how great signs and miracles God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

13Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me: 14Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written,

16?After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again:

17that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things.?

18Known unto God from the beginning are all his works. 19Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God: 20but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idol sacrifices, and from whoredom, and from what is strangled, and from blood. 21For Moses for ages past in every city hath those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day.

The Letter to the Gentile Believers

22Then it was determined by the apostles and presbyters with the whole church, to send select men from themselves unto Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren; 23writing a letter by their hand, in these words:The apostles and presbyters and the brethren, to the brethren from among the Gentiles which are at Antioch, and in Syria, and Cilicia, greeting: 24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain persons who went out from us have disturbed you with discourses, unsettling your minds, insisting, that you should be circumcised, and observe the law: to whom we gave no such charge: 25it hath seemed fit to us, assembled unanimously, to send unto you select men with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they by word of mouth will tell you the same things. 28For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no other burden except these things which are of absolute necessity; 29that ye abstain from eating whatever is sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from whoredom: from which things carefully preserving yourselves, ye shall do well. Farewell.

The Believers at Antioch Rejoice

30They then being thus dispatched, came to Antioch: and assembling the multitude, they delivered the letter: 31and when they had read it, they rejoiced in the consolation of it. 32Then Judas and Silas, being also themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren, in many a discourse, and established them. 33And having stayed their time, they were dismissed in peace from the brethren to the apostles. 34However Silas thought proper to abide there. 35Paul also and Barnabas abode at Antioch, teaching and preaching, with many others also, the word of the Lord.

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey Begins
(Acts 13:1–3; Acts 18:23–28)

36Then after certain days said Paul to Barnabas, Let us now return and visit our brethren in every city among whom we have preached the word of the Lord, that we may see how they hold on. 37Now Barnabas had resolved to take with him John, whose surname is Mark. 38But Paul did not think him a fit person to take with them, who had withdrawn from them from Pamphylia, and no longer went with them to the service. 39So there grew up a sudden quarrel, insomuch that they separated from each other: and Barnabas, taking Mark with him, sailed away to Cyprus:

40but Paul selecting Silas, departed, being commended by the brethren to the favour of God. 41And he passed through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.