Acts 15:15-36 in English

¹⁵ And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

¹⁶ After these things I will return, And I will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen; And I will build again the ruins thereof, And I will set it up:

¹⁷ That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called,

¹⁸ Saith the Lord, who maketh these things known from of old.

¹⁹ Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not them that from among the Gentiles turn to God;

²⁰ but that we write unto them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

²³ and they wrote thus by them, The apostles and the elders, brethren, unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting:

²⁴ Forasmuch as we have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls; to whom we gave no commandment;

²⁵ it seemed good unto us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them 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 themselves also shall tell you the same things by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

²⁹ that ye abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, it shall be well with you. Fare ye well.

³⁰ So they, when they were dismissed, came down to Antioch; and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle.

³¹ And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.

³² And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

³³ And after they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brethren unto those that had sent them forth.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they fare.

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.

¹⁵ And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

¹⁶ After these things I will return, And I will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen; And I will build again the ruins thereof, And I will set it up:

¹⁷ That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called,

¹⁸ Saith the Lord, who maketh these things known from the beginning of the world.

¹⁹ Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not them which from among the Gentiles turn to God;

²⁰ but that we write unto them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

²³ and they wrote thus by them, The apostles and the elder brethren unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting:

²⁴ Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls; to whom we gave no commandment;

²⁵ it seemed good unto us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them 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 themselves also shall tell you the same things by word of 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 things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, it shall be well with you. Fare ye well.

³⁰ So they, when they were dismissed, came down to Antioch; and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle.

³¹ And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.

³² And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

³³ And after they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brethren unto those that had sent them forth.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they fare.

¹⁵ These words that God spoke, words that were written by one of the prophets {that one of the prophets wrote} long ago, agree with that:

¹⁶ Later on I will return and I will re-establish the kingdom MET that David ruled and that has been {that people have} destroyed. My doing that will be like rebuilding a house that has been {that people have} torn down.

¹⁷ I will do that in order that all other people might seek me, the Lord God. I will do that in order that all the non-Jews whom I have called to belong to me MTY might seek me. You can be certain that this will happen because I the Lord God, who will do those things, have spoken these words.

¹⁸ I caused my people to know about them long ago.”

¹⁹ James continued by saying, “Therefore I have decided that we(inc) should stop bothering the non-Jewish people who are turning away from their sins and turning to God. That is, we should stop demanding that they obey all our laws and rituals.

²⁰ Instead, we should write a letter to them requiring only four things: They should not eat meat/food that people have offered to idols, they should not have sex with someone to whom they are not married, they should not eat meat from animals that have been killed by being strangled { people have strangled}, and they should not eat the blood of animals.

²¹ In many cities, for a very long time people have been proclaiming the laws that Moses wrote MTY, laws prohibiting those things. And every ◄Sabbath/Jewish day of rest► those laws are read {someone reads those laws} in the Jewish meeting places. So if the non-Jews want to know more about those laws, they can find out in our meeting houses.”

²² The apostles and the other elders, along with all the other members of the congregation, accepted what James had said. Then they decided that they should choose men from among themselves and that they should send them, along with Paul and Barnabas, to Antioch, to let the believers there know what the leaders at Jerusalem had decided. So they chose Judas, who was also called Barsabbas, and Silas, who were leaders among the believers at Jerusalem.

²³ Then they wrote the following letter that they asked Judas and Silas to take to the believers at Antioch: “ We(exc) apostles and other leaders who are your fellow believers send our greetings to you as we write this to you non-Jewish believers who live in Antioch and other places in Syria and Cilicia provinces.

²⁴ People have told us that some men from among us went to you, although we had not told them to do that. They troubled/distressed you SYN by telling you things that confused your thinking.

²⁵ So while we(exc) met together here, we decided to choose some men and ask them to go to you, along with Barnabas and Paul, whom we (exc) love very much.

²⁶ Those two have put their lives in danger because of their serving our Lord MTY Jesus Christ.

²⁷ We (exc) have also chosen Judas and Silas to go to you. They will tell you the same things that we are writing.

²⁸ The Holy Spirit and also we decided that you should not be required {that we should not require you} to obey a lot of burdensome Jewish laws. Instead, we only require you to obey the following instructions,

²⁹ You should not eat food that people have sacrificed to idols. You should not eat blood from animals, and you should not eat meat from animals that people have killed by strangling them. Also, you should not have sex with someone to whom you are not married. Those things especially offend Jewish believers. So if you avoid doing them, you will be doing what is right. That is all.”

³⁰ The four men whom they had chosen went from Jerusalem to Antioch city. When all the believers there had assembled together, Judas and Silas gave the letter to them.

³¹ When the believers there read the letter, they rejoiced, because its message encouraged them.

³² Just like Paul and Barnabas were ◄ prophets/men who spoke messages from God►, Judas and Silas were also prophets. They spoke for a long time and encouraged the believers there, and helped them to trust more strongly in the Lord Jesus.

³³ After Judas and Silas had stayed in Antioch for some time and were ready to return to Jerusalem , the believers there wished them well, and the believers prayed that God would protect them as they traveled. So the two men started to go back to the leaders in Jerusalem who had asked them to go to Antioch .

³⁵ However, Paul and Barnabas continued to stay in Antioch. While they were there, they, along with many others, were teaching people and preaching to them the message about the Lord Jesus.

³⁶ After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let's go back and visit the fellow believers in every city where we previously proclaimed the message about the Lord Jesus. In that way, we will know how well they are continuing to believe in the Lord Jesus.”

¹⁵ This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

¹⁶ ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up

¹⁷ that the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’

¹⁸ “All of God’s works are known to him from eternity.

¹⁹ Therefore my judgment is that we don’t trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God,

²⁰ but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers.

²³ They wrote these things by their hand: “The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

²⁴ Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law,’ to whom we gave no commandment;

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out 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 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

²⁹ that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”

³⁰ So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

³² Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.

³³ After they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brothers to the apostles.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

¹⁵ This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

¹⁶ ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up

¹⁷ that the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’

¹⁸ “All of God’s works are known to him from eternity.

¹⁹ Therefore my judgment is that we don’t trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God,

²⁰ but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers.

²³ They wrote these things by their hand: “The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

²⁴ Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law,’ to whom we gave no commandment;

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out 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 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

²⁹ that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”

³⁰ So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

³² Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.

³³ After they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brothers to the apostles.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

¹⁵ This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

¹⁶ ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up

¹⁷ that the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’

¹⁸ “All of God’s works are known to him from eternity.

¹⁹ Therefore my judgement is that we don’t trouble those from amongst the Gentiles who turn to God,

²⁰ but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men amongst the brothers.

²³ They wrote these things by their hand: “The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

²⁴ Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law,’ to whom we gave no commandment;

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out 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 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

²⁹ that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”

³⁰ So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

³² Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.

³³ After they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brothers to the apostles.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

¹⁵ And this is in agreement with the words of the prophets, as it is said,

¹⁶ After these things I will come back, and will put up the tent of David which has been broken down, building up again its broken parts and making it complete:

¹⁷ So that the rest of men may make search for the Lord, and all the Gentiles on whom my name is named,

¹⁸ Says the Lord, who has made these things clear from the earliest times.

¹⁹ For this reason my decision is, that we do not put trouble in the way of those who from among the Gentiles are turned to God;

²⁰ But that we give them orders to keep themselves from things offered to false gods, and from the evil desires of the body, and from the flesh of animals put to death in ways against the law, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses, from times long past, has his preachers in every town, reading his law in the Synagogues every Sabbath.

²² Then it seemed good to the Apostles and the rulers and all the church, to send men from among them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas, named Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers:

²³ And they sent a letter by them, saying, The Apostles and the older brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, may joy be with you:

²⁴ Because we have knowledge that some who went from us have been troubling you with their words, putting your souls in doubt; to whom we gave no such order;

²⁵ It seemed good to us, having come to an agreement together, to send these men to you, with our well loved Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ Men who have given up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁷ And so we have sent Judas and Silas, who will say the same things to you themselves, by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to put on you nothing more than these necessary things;

²⁹ To keep from things offered to false gods, and from blood, and from things put to death in ways which are against the law, and from the evil desires of the body; if you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. May you be happy.

³⁰ So they, being sent away, came down to Antioch, and having got the people together, they gave them the letter.

³¹ And after reading it, they were glad of its comfort.

³² And Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, gave teaching to the brothers and made them strong in the faith.

³³ And when they had been there for some time, they were sent back in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas kept on in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of God, with a number of others.

³⁶ And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go back and see the brothers in every town where we have given the word of God, and see how they are.

¹⁵ And with this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written:

¹⁶ After these things I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which is fallen, and will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up,

¹⁷ so that the residue of men may seek out the Lord, and all the nations on whom my name is invoked, saith the Lord, who does these things

¹⁸ known from eternity.

¹⁹ Wherefore I judge, not to trouble those who from the nations turn to God;

²⁰ but to write to them to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses, from generations of old, has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and to the elders, with the whole assembly, to send chosen men from among them with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, Judas called Barsabas and Silas, leading men among the brethren,

²³ having by their hand written thus: The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from among the nations at Antioch, and in Syria and Cilicia, greeting:

²⁴ Inasmuch as we have heard that some who went out from amongst us have troubled you by words, upsetting your souls, saying that ye must be circumcised and keep the law; to whom we gave no commandment;

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having arrived at a common judgment, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ men who have given up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁷ We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves also will tell you by word of mouth the same things.

²⁸ For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

²⁹ to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication; keeping yourselves from which ye will do well. Farewell.

³⁰ They therefore, being let go, came to Antioch, and having gathered the multitude delivered to them the epistle.

³¹ And having read it, they rejoiced at the consolation.

³² And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with much discourse, and strengthened them.

³³ And having passed some time there, they were let go in peace from the brethren to those who sent them.

³⁵ And Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and announcing the glad tidings, with many others also, of the word of the Lord.

³⁶ But after certain days Paul said to Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city where we have announced the word of the Lord, and see how they are getting on.

¹⁵ And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written:

¹⁶ After these things I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and the ruins thereof I will rebuild, and I will set it up:

¹⁷ That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all nations upon whom my name is invoked, saith the Lord, who doth these things.

¹⁸ To the Lord was his own work known from the beginning of the world.

¹⁹ For which cause I judge that they, who from among the Gentiles are converted to God, are not to be disquieted.

²⁰ But that we write unto them, that they refrain themselves from the 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 in the synagogues, where he is read every sabbath.

²² Then it pleased the apostles and ancients, with the whole church, to choose men of their own company, and to send to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas, who was surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren.

²³ Writing by their hands: The apostles and ancients, brethren, to the brethren of the Gentiles that are at Antioch, and in Syria and Cilicia, greeting.

²⁴ Forasmuch as we have heard, that some going out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls; to whom we gave no commandment:

²⁵ It hath seemed good to us, being assembled together, to choose out men, and to send them unto you, with our well beloved Barnabas and Paul:

²⁶ Men that have given their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁷ We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves also will, by word of mouth, tell you the same things.

²⁸ For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay no further burden upon you than these necessary things:

²⁹ That you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which things keeping yourselves, you shall do well. Fare ye well.

³⁰ They therefore being dismissed, went down to Antioch; and gathering together the multitude, delivered the epistle.

³¹ Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

³² But Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, with many words comforted the brethren, and confirmed them.

³³ And after they had spent some time there, they were let go with peace by the brethren, unto them that had sent them.

³⁴ But it seemed good unto Silas to remain there; and Judas alone departed to Jerusalem.

³⁵ And Paul and Barnabas continued at Antioch, teaching and preaching, with many others, the word of the Lord.

³⁶ And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas: Let us return and visit our brethren in all the cities wherein we have preached the word of the Lord, to see how they do.

¹⁵ And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

¹⁶ ‘After this I will return, and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen; and its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,

¹⁷ in order that the rest of men may seek out the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things.’

¹⁸ “Known from everlasting to God are all His works.

¹⁹ Therefore I judge that we must not cause trouble for those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles;

²⁰ but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses has had from ancient generations those who proclaim him in each city, being read in the synagogues from one Sabbath to another.”

²² Then it seemed best to the apostles and the elders, together with the whole church, to send men being chosen from them to Antioch, together with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers.

²³ Writing by their hand these things: The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia who are of the Gentiles: Greetings.

²⁴ Inasmuch as we have heard that some went out from among us and troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “that you must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such command—

²⁵ it seemed best to us, being like-minded, to send chosen men to you, with our beloved brothers Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ men who have risked their lives for the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁷ We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed best to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to put on you no greater burden except for these necessary things:

²⁹ that you abstain from meat offered to idols, and from blood, and from anything strangled, and from sexual immorality; from which keeping yourselves back, you will do well. Farewell.

³⁰ Then having been dismissed, they came to Antioch; and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

³¹ And when they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.

³² Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.

³³ And after some time, they were dismissed with peace from the brothers to the apostles.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas spent time in Antioch, teaching and preaching the good news of the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return now and visit our brothers in each city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”

¹⁵ And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

¹⁶ ‘After these things I will return, and I will rebuild David's tent, the fallen one; yes, I will rebuild its ruins and restore it;

¹⁷ so that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles—the ones, that is, upon whom my name has been called—says the Lord who does all these things.’

¹⁸ All His works are known to God from eternity.

¹⁹ Therefore I judge that we should not create difficulty for those who are turning to God from among the ethnic nations,

²⁰ but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For from ancient generations Moses has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² Then it pleased the apostles and the elders, with the whole congregation, to send chosen men from among them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas (the one called Barsabas) and Silas, leading men among the brothers.

²³ They wrote by their hand the following: “The apostles and the elders and the brothers, to the Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings.

²⁴ Since we have heard that some who went out from among us have disturbed you with words, unsettling your souls, saying that you must be circumcised and keep the Law—to whom we gave no such authorization—

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ men who have risked their lives for the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁷ So we have sent Judas and Silas, who will also confirm these things by word of mouth.

²⁸ It seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to place no greater burden upon you than these necessary things:

²⁹ to abstain from things offered to idols, from ‘blood’, from anything strangled and from fornication; it will be in your own best interest to keep away from these things. Farewell.”

³⁰ So when they were sent off they came to Antioch, and gathering the crowd they delivered the letter.

³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

³² Both Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.

³³ After some time, they were released with peace from the brothers to the apostles.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return now and visit our brothers in each city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

¹⁵ This is in accordance with the words of the prophets, as it's written,

¹⁶ ‘In the future I will return, and I will rebuild the fallen house of David; I will rebuild its ruins and set it straight.

¹⁷ I will do this so that those who are left may come to the Lord, including the foreigners who call on my name.

¹⁸ This is what the Lord says, who revealed these things long ago.’

¹⁹ So my decision is that we shouldn't make it difficult for foreigners who turn to God.

²⁰ We should write to them and tell them to avoid food sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality, meat of animals that have been strangled, and from consuming blood.

²¹ For the law of Moses has been taught in every town for a long, long time—it's read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² Then the apostles and elders, together with the whole church, decided it would be good to choose some representatives and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas Barsabbas and Silas, leaders among the brothers,

²³ and sent them with this letter: “Greetings from us, the apostles and elders and brothers, to the non-Jewish brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

²⁴ We have heard that some from our group have confused you with their teachings, causing you trouble. We certainly didn't tell them to do this!

²⁵ So we have agreed to choose some representatives and send them to you together with our much-loved brothers Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁷ So we are sending to you Judas and Silas who can verbally confirm what we're saying.

²⁸ It seemed best to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place on you any heavier burden than these important requirements.

²⁹ You should avoid: anything sacrificed to idols; blood; meat from strangled animals; and sexual immorality. You will do well to observe these requirements. God bless you.”

³⁰ The men were sent on their way to Antioch. When they arrived they called everybody together and delivered the letter.

³¹ After they had read it, the people were so happy for the encouraging message.

³² Judas and Silas, who were also prophets, encouraged the brothers, explaining many things, and strengthening them.

³³ After spending some time there they were sent back by the brothers with their blessing to the believers in Jerusalem.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of God along with many others.

³⁶ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let's go back and visit the believers in every town where we shared the word of the Lord, and see how they're doing.”

¹⁵ And to this agree the woordes of the Prophets, as it is written,

¹⁶ After this I will returne, and will builde againe the tabernacle of Dauid, which is fallen downe, and the ruines thereof will I build againe, and I will set it vp,

¹⁷ That the residue of men might seeke after the Lord, and all the Gentiles vpon whom my Name is called, saith the Lord which doeth all these things.

¹⁸ From the beginning of the worlde, God knoweth all his workes.

¹⁹ Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them of the Gentiles that are turned to God,

²⁰ But that we send vnto them, that they abstaine themselues from filthinesse of idoles, and fornication, and that that is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses of olde time hath in euery citie them that preache him, seeing he is read in the Synagogues euery Sabbath day.

²² Then it seemed good to the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church, to sende chosen men of their owne companie to Antiochia with Paul and Barnabas: to wit, Iudas whose surname was Barsabas and Silas, which were chiefe men among the brethren,

²³ And wrote letters by them after this maner, THE APOSTLES, and the Elders, and the brethren, vnto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antiochia, and in Syria, and in Cilicia, send greeting.

²⁴ Forasmuch as we haue heard, that certaine which went out from vs, haue troubled you with wordes, and cumbred your mindes, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keepe the Lawe: to whom we gaue no such commandement,

²⁵ It seemed therefore good to vs, when we were come together with one accord, to send chosen men vnto you, with our beloued Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ Men that haue giuen vp their liues for the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ.

²⁷ We haue therefore sent Iudas and Silas, which shall also tell you ye same things by mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the holy Ghost, and to vs, to lay no more burden vpon you, then these necessary things,

²⁹ That is, that ye abstaine from things offered to idoles, and blood, and that that is strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keepe your selues, ye shall doe well. Fare ye well.

³⁰ Nowe when they were departed, they came to Antiochia, and after that they had assembled the multitude, they deliuered the Epistle.

³¹ And when they had read it, they reioyced for the consolation.

³² And Iudas and Silas being Prophets, exhorted the brethren with many wordes, and strengthened them.

³³ And after they had taried there a space, they were let goe in peace of the brethren vnto the Apostles.

³⁴ Notwithstanding Silas thought good to abide there still.

³⁵ Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antiochia, teaching and preaching with many other, the worde of the Lord.

³⁶ But after certaine dayes, Paul said vnto Barnabas, Let vs returne, and visite our brethren in euery citie, where we haue preached the worde of the Lord, and see how they doe.

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.

¹⁵ And with this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written:

¹⁶ “After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which hath fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up;

¹⁷ that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the gentiles, who have been called by my name, saith the Lord, who doeth these things,

¹⁸ which were known from the beginning.”

¹⁹ Wherefore my judgment is, that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God;

²⁰ but that we should write to them by letter to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from that which hath been strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses from the times of old hath had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.

²² Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

²³ And they wrote by them, “The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from the gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting.

²⁴ Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command;

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁷ We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves tell you the same things by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things:

²⁹ to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell.”

³⁰ They therefore being sent away came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

³¹ And when they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

³² And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words and confirmed them.

³³ And when they had remained some time, they were dismissed with peace from the brethren to those who sent them.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and publishing, with many others also, the glad tidings of the word of the Lord.

³⁶ And some days after, Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go again and visit the brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are.

¹⁵ And that is in harmony with the words of the prophets, where they say —

¹⁶ ‘After this I will return; And I will rebuild the house of David which has fallen — Its ruins I will rebuild, And will set it up once more;

¹⁷ That so the rest of mankind may earnestly seek the Lord — Even all the Gentiles on whom my name has been bestowed.

¹⁸ Says the Lord, as he does these things, known from long ago.’

¹⁹ In my judgement, therefore, we should not add to the difficulties of those Gentiles who are turning to God,

²⁰ but we should write to them to abstain from food that has been polluted by being sacrificed to idols, from impurity, from eating the flesh of strangled animals, and from blood.

²¹ For in every town, for generations past, there have been those who preach Moses, read as he is in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² It was then decided by the apostles and the elders, with the assent of the whole church, to choose some of their number, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. Those chosen were Judas (called Barsabas) and Silas, who were leaders amongst the community.

²³ They were bearers of the following letter — ‘The apostles, and the followers who are the church elders, send their greetings to the followers of the Lord of Gentile birth in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia.

²⁴ As we had heard that some of our number had upset you by their assertions, and unsettled your minds — without instructions from us —

²⁵ We met and decided to choose certain men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

²⁷ We are accordingly sending Judas and Silas, and they will tell you by word of mouth what we are now writing.

²⁸ We have, therefore, decided, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to lay no further burden on you beyond these necessary conditions —

²⁹ That you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating the flesh of strangled animals, and from impurity. If you guard yourselves against such things, it will be well with you. Farewell.’

³⁰ So the bearers of this letter were sent on their way, and went down to Antioch. There they called a meeting of all the followers,

³¹ and delivered the letter, the reading of which caused great rejoicing by its encouraging contents.

³² Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, further encouraged the them by many an address, and strengthened their faith.

³³ After some stay, they were dismissed with kind farewells from the followers, and returned to those who had sent them.

³⁵ Paul and Barnabas, however, remained in Antioch, where they taught and, with the help of many others, told the good news of the Lord's message.

³⁶ Some time after this, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the Lord's followers in every town in which we have told the Lord's message, and see how they are prospering.”

¹⁵ And that is in harmony with the words of the prophets, where they say —

¹⁶ ‘After this I will return; And I will rebuild the house of David which has fallen — Its ruins I will rebuild, And will set it up once more;

¹⁷ That so the rest of mankind may earnestly seek the Lord — Even all the Gentiles on whom my name has been bestowed.

¹⁸ Says the Lord, as he does these things, known from long ago.’

¹⁹ In my judgment, therefore, we should not add to the difficulties of those Gentiles who are turning to God,

²⁰ but we should write to them to abstain from food that has been polluted by being sacrificed to idols, from impurity, from eating the flesh of strangled animals, and from blood.

²¹ For in every town, for generations past, there have been those who preach Moses, read as he is in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² It was then decided by the apostles and the elders, with the assent of the whole church, to choose some of their number, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. Those chosen were Judas (called Barsabas) and Silas, who were leaders among the community.

²³ They were bearers of the following letter — ‘The apostles, and the followers who are the church elders, send their greetings to the followers of the Lord of Gentile birth in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia.

²⁴ As we had heard that some of our number had upset you by their assertions, and unsettled your minds — without instructions from us —

²⁵ We met and decided to choose certain men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

²⁷ We are accordingly sending Judas and Silas, and they will tell you by word of mouth what we are now writing.

²⁸ We have, therefore, decided, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to lay no further burden on you beyond these necessary conditions —

²⁹ That you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating the flesh of strangled animals, and from impurity. If you guard yourselves against such things, it will be well with you. Farewell.’

³⁰ So the bearers of this letter were sent on their way, and went down to Antioch. There they called a meeting of all the followers,

³¹ and delivered the letter, the reading of which caused great rejoicing by its encouraging contents.

³² Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, further encouraged the them by many an address, and strengthened their faith.

³³ After some stay, they were dismissed with kind farewells from the followers, and returned to those who had sent them.

³⁵ Paul and Barnabas, however, remained in Antioch, where they taught and, with the help of many others, told the good news of the Lord's message.

³⁶ Some time after this, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the Lord's followers in every town in which we have told the Lord's message, and see how they are prospering.”

¹⁵ A long time ago God’s men told that same message. They wrote,

¹⁶ ‘God said, “I will come back later and I will fix up David’s family again. They are like a tent that broke and fell down. But I will fix them up and make them strong again.

¹⁷ And some people from other countries will ask me for help. They are my people too. I am God. I promised to do that a long time ago, so I will do it.” ’ That’s in God’s book.”

¹⁹ And James kept talking, he said, “Those people that are turning to God are not Jews, and I think we shouldn’t make it hard for them.

²⁰ We have to write a letter to tell them not to worry about getting that young man’s operation. But we’ll tell them to follow these rules, – Don’t eat food that other people have given to sacred statues. – And don’t sleep with people that you are not married to, as if they are they are your wives or husbands. – And if somebody strangles an animal, don’t eat its meat. – And don’t eat blood.

²¹ You see, every Saturday the Jews read the law of Moses aloud in their meeting houses, in all the towns where those people live. They have been doing that for a long time, and people that are not Jews have heard that law. So we have to tell them not to worry about getting that young man’s operation.”

²² Then all the Christians and their leaders picked 2 of their men. One was called Judas Barsabbas and the other was Silas. Those 2 men were Christian leaders in Jerusalem. The others told them, “You 2 go with Paul and Barnabas and take this news to the Christians in Antioch, in Syria country.”

²³ And the church leaders wrote a letter for them to take with them. They wrote this, “This letter is from the close followers of Jesus, and the church leaders in Jerusalem. We are writing to you Christian people that are not Jews, that live in Antioch, and in Syria country and Cilicia country. You are like brothers and sisters to us. We hope you are all good and happy.

²⁴ Listen, we heard that some men from here went to you and told you things that really upset you. But we didn’t send those men.

²⁵ So we met together and picked some messengers, and we are sending them with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul.

²⁶ You know, Barnabas and Paul work for our leader Jesus Christ and people tried to kill them for doing that.

²⁷ We are sending Judas and Silas with them, and they will tell you the same things that we are writing in this letter.

²⁸ The Holy Spirit told us that you don’t need to get that young man’s operation. That’s the way we think, too. So we are telling you to just follows these rules, –

²⁹ If somebody gives food to a sacred statue, don’t you eat any of that food. – And don’t eat blood. – And if somebody strangles an animal, don’t eat its meat. – And don’t sleep with people that you are not married to, as if they are they are your wives or husbands. Make sure you don’t do those things, and you will be all right. That’s our message to you now. Goodbye.”

³⁰ Then Judas and Silas went to Antioch, and they called all the Christians to come to a meeting, then they gave them the letter.

³¹ Those Christians read that letter and they were very happy.

³² Judas and Silas were men that told God’s messages to people, and they talked a lot to those Christians, helping them to be happy and to believe strongly in Jesus.

³³ After that Judas and Silas got up to go back to the church in Jerusalem. The Antioch Christians said to them, “We are happy for you to go back, and we pray you will have a good trip.”

³⁴ But Paul and Barnabas stayed there in Antioch, and they taught the people and told them the message from God about Jesus. A lot of other Christians helped them to do that.

³⁶ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “You know all those towns we went to before, where we told the people the message from God about Jesus, well, let’s go back and find out if the Christians are all right.”

¹⁵ And to this agreith the wordes of the Prophetes as it is written.

¹⁶ After this I will returne and wyll bylde agayne the tabernacle of David which is fallen doune and that which is fallen in dekey of it will I bilde agayne and I will set it vp

¹⁷ that the residue of men might seke after the Lorde and also the gentyls vpo whom my name is named saith the Lorde which doth all these thinges:

¹⁸ knowne vnto God are all his workes from the begynninge of the worlde.

¹⁹ Wherfore my sentence is that we trouble not them which from amonge the gentyls are turned to God:

²⁰ but that we write vnto them that they abstayne them selves from filthynes of ymages from fornicacion from straglyd and from bloude.

²¹ For Moses of olde tyme hath in every cite that preache him and he is rede in the synagoges every saboth daye.

²² Then pleased it the Apostles and elders with the whole congregacion to sende chosyn men of their owne company to Antioche with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Iudas called also Barsabas and Silas which were chefe men amonge the brethren

²³ and gave them lettres in their hondes after this maner. The Apostles elders and brethren send gretynges vnto the brethren which are of the gentyls in Antioche Siria and Celicia.

²⁴ For as moche as we have hearde that certayne which departed from vs have troubled you with wordes and combred youre myndes sayinge: Ye must be circumcised and kepe the lawe to whom we gave no soche commaundement.

²⁵ It semed therfore to vs a good thinge when we were come to gedder with one accorde to sende chosyn men vnto you with oure beloved Barnabas and Paul

²⁶ men that have ieoperded their lyves for the name of oure Lorde Iesus Christ.

²⁷ We have sent therfore Iudas and Sylas which shall also tell you the same thinges by mouth.

²⁸ For it semed good to the holy gost and to vs to put no grevous thinge to you more then these necessary thinges: that is to saye

²⁹ that ye abstayne from thinges offered to ymages from bloud from strangled and fornicacion. From which yf ye kepe youre selves ye shall do well. So fare ye well.

³⁰ When they were departed they came to Antioche and gaddred the multitude togeder and delyvered the pistle.

³¹ When they had redde it they reioysed of that consolacion.

³² And Iudas and Sylas beinge prophetes exhorted the brethren with moche preachynge and strengthed them.

³³ And after they had taryed there a space they were let goo in peace of the brethren vnto the Apostles.

³⁴ Not with stondynge it pleasyd Sylas to abyde there still.

³⁵ Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioche teachynge and preachynge the worde of the Lorde with other many.

³⁶ But after a certayne space Paul sayde vnto Barnabas: Let vs goo agayne and visite oure brethren in every cite where we have shewed the worde of the Lorde and se how they do.

¹⁵ The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written,

¹⁶ 'After these things I will return, and I will build again the tent of David, which has fallen down; I will set up and restore its ruins again,

¹⁷ so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, including all the Gentiles called by my name.'

¹⁸ This is what the Lord says, who has done these things that have been known from ancient times.

¹⁹ Therefore, my opinion is, that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God.

²⁰ But we will write to them that they must keep away from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, and from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from the ancient times and he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, who were leaders of the church, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.

²³ They wrote this: “From the apostles and elders, your brothers, to the Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings!

²⁴ We have heard that certain men have gone out from us, with no orders from us, and have disturbed you with teachings that upset your souls.

²⁵ This being so, all of us have agreed to choose men and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

²⁶ men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁷ Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas, who will tell you the same thing themselves in their own words.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

²⁹ that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, blood, things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, it shall be well with you. Farewell.”

³⁰ So they, when they were dismissed, came down to Antioch; after they gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced because of the encouragement.

³² Judas and Silas, also prophets, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.

³³ After they had spent some time there, they were sent away in peace from the brothers to those who had sent them.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch along with many others, where they taught and proclaimed the word of the Lord.

³⁶ After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return now and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”

¹⁵ This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

¹⁶ ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up

¹⁷ that the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’

¹⁸ “All of God’s works are known to him from eternity.

¹⁹ Therefore my judgment is that we don’t trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God,

²⁰ but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers.

²³ They wrote these things by their hand: “The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

²⁴ Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law,’ to whom we gave no commandment;

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out 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 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

²⁹ that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”

³⁰ So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

³² Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.

³³ After they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brothers to the apostles.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

¹⁵ This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

¹⁶ ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up

¹⁷ that the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’

¹⁸ “All of God’s works are known to him from eternity.

¹⁹ Therefore my judgement is that we don’t trouble those from amongst the Gentiles who turn to God,

²⁰ but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men amongst the brothers.

²³ They wrote these things by their hand: “The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

²⁴ Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law,’ to whom we gave no commandment;

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out 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 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

²⁹ that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”

³⁰ So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

³² Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.

³³ After they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brothers to the apostles.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

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 of it; and I will set it up:

¹⁷ That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

¹⁸ Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

¹⁹ Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, who from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

²⁰ But that we write to them that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from lewdness, 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.

²² Then it pleased 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 to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia.

²⁴ Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain who 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 to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to 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 will also tell you the same things by mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

²⁹ That ye abstain from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from lewdness: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Fare ye well.

³⁰ So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had convened the multitude, 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 time, they were dismissed in peace from the brethren to 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 to 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.

¹⁵ This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

¹⁶ ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up

¹⁷ that the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’

¹⁸ “All of God’s works are known to him from eternity.

¹⁹ Therefore my judgment is that we don’t trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God,

²⁰ but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who proclaim him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² Then it seemed good to the emissaries and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judah called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers.

²³ They wrote these things by their hand: “The emissaries, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

²⁴ Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the Torah,’ to whom we gave no commandment;

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out 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 Yeshua the Messiah.

²⁷ We have sent therefore Judah and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

²⁹ that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”

³⁰ So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

³² Judah and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.

³³ After they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brothers to the emissaries.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

¹⁵ This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

¹⁶ ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up

¹⁷ that the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’

¹⁸ “All of God’s works are known to him from eternity.

¹⁹ Therefore my judgement is that we don’t trouble those from amongst the Gentiles who turn to God,

²⁰ but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

²¹ For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who proclaim him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

²² Then it seemed good to the emissaries and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judah called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men amongst the brothers.

²³ They wrote these things by their hand: “The emissaries, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

²⁴ Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the Torah,’ to whom we gave no commandment;

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out 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 Yeshua the Messiah.

²⁷ We have sent therefore Judah and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

²⁹ that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”

³⁰ So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

³² Judah and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.

³³ After they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brothers to the emissaries.

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord, with many others also.

³⁶ After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

¹⁵ And the words of prophets accord to him, 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, and all folks, on whom my name is called to help or in-called; the Lord doing this thing, saith.

¹⁸ From the world, the work of the Lord is known to the Lord.

¹⁹ For which thing I deem them that of heathen men be converted to God, to be not dis-eased or unquieted,

²⁰ but to write to them, that they abstain them from defoulings of mau-mets or of simulacra, and from forni-cation, and strangled things, and blood.

²¹ For Moses of old times hath in all cities them that preach him in syna-gogues, whereby each sabbath he is read.

²² Then it pleased to the apostles, and to the 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, to which men we commanded not,

²⁵ it pleased to us gathered into one, to choose men, and send to you, with our most dearworthy 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 or simu-lacra, and blood strangled, and forni-cation. From which ye keeping you, shall do well. Fare ye well.

³⁰ Therefore they were let go or dismissed, and 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 brothers, and confirmed them with full many words.

³³ But after that they had been there a little while, they were let go of brethren with peace or they were dismissed 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 Jeru-salem.

³⁵ And Paul and Barnabas dwelt at Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with others many or with many others.

³⁶ But after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, Turn we again, and visit we our brethren by all cities, in which we have preached the word of the Lord, how they have them.

¹⁵ And the words of (the) prophets accord to him, as it is written,

¹⁶ After this I shall turn again (or After this I shall return), 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 (up);

¹⁷ that other men seek the Lord, and all folks, on whom my name is called to help, or in-called, (or so that other men seek the Lord, yea, all the peoples and nations, who call on my name for help); the Lord doing this thing, saith.

¹⁸ From the (beginning of the) world, the work of the Lord is known to the Lord. (From long ago, or from the creation of the world, the Lord’s work was made known.)

¹⁹ For which thing I deem them that of (the) heathen men be converted to God, to be not dis-eased or unquieted,

²⁰ but to write to them, that they abstain them from (the) defoulings of maumets or of simulacra, and from fornication, and strangled things, and blood. (but to write to them, that they abstain themselves from the defilements of idols, that is, from food offered to idols, and from fornication, and from strangled things, and from blood.)

²¹ For Moses of (or from the) old times hath in all (the) cities them that preach him in (the) synagogues, whereby each sabbath he is read.

²² Then it pleased to the apostles, and to the elder men (or to the elders), with all the church, to choose (some) men of them, and send (them) to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, Judas, that was named Barsabas, and Silas, the first men among (the) 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 (or to the Gentile brothers), greeting(s).

²⁴ For we heard that some went out from us, and troubled you with words, and turned upside-down your souls, to which men we commanded not,

²⁵ it pleased to us gathered into one, to choose men, and send (them) to you, with our most dearworthy 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, (For it is seen by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to put no other burden upon you, other than these necessary things,)

²⁹ that ye abstain you from the offered things of maumets or of simulacra, and blood strangled, and fornication, (or that ye abstain yourselves from the food offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled things, and from fornication). From which ye keeping you(rselves), shall do well. Fare ye well.

³⁰ Therefore they were let go or dismissed, and came down to Antioch; and when the multitude was gathered, they (be)took the epistle (or they delivered the letter);

³¹ which when they had read (it), they joyed on the comfort. (and when they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement that it gave to them.)

³² And Judas and Silas and they, for they were prophets, comforted (or strengthened) (the) brothers, and confirmed them with full many words.

³³ But after that they had been there a little while, they were let go of (the) brethren with peace, (or they were sent forth by the brothers with peace), or they were dismissed with peace of (or from) (the) brethren, (back) 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 or with many others.

³⁶ But after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, Turn we again, and visit we our brethren by all (the) cities, in which we have preached the word of the Lord, how they have them. (But after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, Let us return, and visit our brothers in all the cities, in which we have preached the word of the Lord, to learn how they be doing.)

¹⁵ and to this agree the words of the prophets, as it hath been written:

¹⁶ After these things I will turn back, and I will build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen down, and its ruins I will build again, and will set it upright —

¹⁷ that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all the nations, upon whom My name hath been called, saith the Lord, who is doing all these things.

¹⁸ 'Known from the ages to God are all His works;

¹⁹ wherefore I judge: not to trouble those who from the nations do turn back to God,

²⁰ but to write to them to abstain from the pollutions of the idols, and the whoredom, and the strangled thing; and the blood;

²¹ for Moses from former generations in every city hath those preaching him — in the synagogues every sabbath being read.'

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, chosen men out of themselves to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas — Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren —

²³ having written through their hand thus: 'The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to those in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia, brethren, who are of the nations, greeting;

²⁴ seeing we have heard that certain having gone forth from us did trouble you with words, subverting your souls, saying to be circumcised and to keep the law, to whom we did give no charge,

²⁵ it seemed good to us, having come together with one accord, chosen men to send unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul —

²⁶ men who have given up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ —

²⁷ we have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas, and they by word are telling the same things.

²⁸ 'For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, no more burden to lay upon you, except these necessary things:

²⁹ to abstain from things offered to idols, and blood, and a strangled thing, and whoredom; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well; be strong!'

³⁰ They then, indeed, having been let go, went to Antioch, and having brought the multitude together, did deliver the epistle,

³¹ and they having read, did rejoice for the consolation;

³² Judas also and Silas, being themselves also prophets, through much discourse did exhort the brethren, and confirm,

³³ and having passed some time, they were let go with peace from the brethren unto the apostles;

³⁴ and it seemed good to Silas to remain there still.

³⁵ And Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming good news — with many others also — the word of the Lord;

³⁶ and after certain days, Paul said unto Barnabas, 'Having turned back again, we may look after our brethren, in every city in which we have preached the word of the Lord — how they are.'