Acts 15:3-19 in English

³ They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia 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 the apostles and the elders, and they rehearsed all things that God had done with them.

⁵ But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.

⁶ And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.

⁷ And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

⁸ And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us;

⁹ and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as they.

¹² And all the multitude kept silence; and they hearkened unto Barnabas and Paul rehearsing what signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles through them.

¹³ And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken unto me:

¹⁴ Symeon hath rehearsed how first God visited 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 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;

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:

³ They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia 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 the apostles and the elders, and they rehearsed all things that God had done with them.

⁵ But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.

⁶ And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.

⁷ And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

⁸ And God, which knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

⁹ and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why tempt ye God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as they.

¹² And all the multitude kept silence; and they hearkened unto Barnabas and Paul rehearsing what signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

¹³ And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken unto me:

¹⁴ Symeon hath rehearsed how first God 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 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;

³ After Paul, Barnabas, and the others were given things for their trip by the congregation at Antioch {After the congregation at Antioch gave Paul, Barnabas, and the others things for their trip}, they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria provinces. When they stopped at different places in those provinces, they reported to the believers that many non-Jews in Antioch had become believers. As a result, all the believers in those places rejoiced greatly.

⁴ And when Paul, Barnabas, and the others arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the apostles, the other elders, and the other members of the congregation there {the apostles, the other elders, and the other members of the congregation there welcomed them}. Then Paul and Barnabas reported the things that God had enabled them to do among non-Jewish people.

⁵ But some of the Jewish believers who belonged to the Pharisee sect stood up among the other believers and said to them, “The non-Jews who have believed in Jesus must be circumcised, and they must be told to obey the laws that God gave to Moses.”

⁶ Then the apostles and the other elders met together in order to talk about this matter.

⁷ After they had discussed it for a long time, Peter stood up and spoke to them. He said, “Fellow believers, you all know that a long time ago God chose me from among you other apostles, in order that the non-Jewish people might also hear me SYN tell them the good message about the Lord Jesus, so that they could hear it and believe in him. So Paul and Barnabas are not the first ones to tell non-Jews about Jesus.

⁸ God knows and judges people according to what they think, not according to who their ancestors were. By sending the Holy Spirit to the non-Jews, just like he had also done for us (inc) Jews, he showed me and others that he had accepted them also to be his people.

⁹ God saved us Jews and those non-Jews similarly, making them clean spiritually simply as a result of their believing in the Lord Jesus. That was exactly how he has forgiven us.

¹⁰ You are wanting to force the non-Jewish believers to obey our Jewish rituals and laws —laws that God has shown that he does not require them to obey MET. Your doing that is like putting a heavy burden on them! So then, ◄stop making God angry by doing that!/why are you making God angry by doing that?► RHQ Our ancestors and we (inc) Jews have never been able to bear the burden of obeying those laws!

¹¹ But we (inc) know that it is not because we (inc) try to obey those laws that God saves us(inc) Jews. On the contrary, we (inc) know that it is because of what the Lord Jesus did for us (inc) that we did not deserve that we (inc) are saved {that God saves us} from the guilt of our sins. God saves non-Jews who believe in the Lord Jesus exactly like he saves us Jews.”

¹² All the people there became silent after Peter had spoken. Then they all listened to Barnabas and Paul, as the two of them told about the many great miracles that God had enabled them to do among the non-Jewish people, miracles that showed that God had accepted the non-Jews.

¹³ When Barnabas and Paul had finished speaking, James, the leader of the group of believers there in Jerusalem, spoke to all of them. He said, “Fellow believers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simon Peter has told you how God previously blessed the non-Jews. God did that by choosing from among them a people who would belong to him MTY.

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.

³ They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.

⁴ When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported everything that God had done with them.

⁵ But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

⁷ When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News and believe.

⁸ God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us.

⁹ He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”

¹² All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them.

¹³ After they were silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.

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,

³ They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.

⁴ When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported everything that God had done with them.

⁵ But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

⁷ When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News and believe.

⁸ God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us.

⁹ He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”

¹² All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them.

¹³ After they were silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.

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,

³ They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.

⁴ When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported everything that God had done with them.

⁵ But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

⁷ When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice amongst you that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News and believe.

⁸ God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us.

⁹ He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”

¹² All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done amongst the nations through them.

¹³ After they were silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.

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,

³ So they, being sent on their way by the church, went through Phoenicia and Samaria, giving news of the salvation of the Gentiles, to the great joy of all the brothers.

⁴ And when they came to Jerusalem, they had a meeting with the church and the Apostles and the rulers, and they gave an account of all the things which God had done through them.

⁵ But some of the Pharisees, who were of the faith, got up and said, It is necessary for these to have circumcision and to keep the law of Moses.

⁶ And the Apostles and the rulers of the church came together and gave thought to the question.

⁷ And when there had been much discussion, Peter got up and said to them, My brothers, you have knowledge that some time back it was God's pleasure that by my mouth the good news might be given to the Gentiles so that they might have faith.

⁸ And God, the searcher of hearts, was a witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit even as he did to us;

⁹ Making no division between them and us, but making clean their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Why then are you testing God, by putting on the neck of the disciples a yoke so hard that not even our fathers or we were strong enough for it?

¹¹ But we have faith that we will get salvation through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way as they.

¹² And all the people were quiet while Barnabas and Paul gave an account of the signs and wonders which God had done among the Gentiles by them.

¹³ And when they had come to an end, James, answering, said, My brothers, give ear to me:

¹⁴ Symeon has given an account of how God was first pleased to take from among the Gentiles a people for himself.

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;

³ They therefore, having been set on their way by the assembly, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, relating the conversion of those of the nations. And they caused great joy to all the brethren.

⁴ And being arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly, and the apostles, and the elders, and related all that God had wrought with them.

⁵ And some of those who were of the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, rose up from among them, saying that they ought to circumcise them and enjoin them to keep the law of Moses.

⁶ And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

⁷ And much discussion having taken place, Peter, standing up, said to them, Brethren, ye know that from the earliest days God amongst you chose that the nations by my mouth should hear the word of the glad tidings and believe.

⁸ And the heart-knowing God bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit as to us also,

⁹ and put no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why tempt ye God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they also.

¹² And all the multitude kept silence and listened to Barnabas and Paul relating all the signs and wonders which God had wrought among the nations by them.

¹³ And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brethren, listen to me:

¹⁴ Simon has related how God first visited to take out of the nations a people for his name.

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;

³ They therefore being brought on their way by the church, passed through Phenice, and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.

⁴ And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and by the apostles and ancients, declaring how great things God had done with them.

⁵ But there arose some of the sect of the Pharisees that believed, saying: They must be circumcised, and be commanded to observe the law of Moses.

⁶ And the apostles and ancients assembled to consider of this matter.

⁷ And when there had been much disputing, Peter, rising up, said to them: Men, brethren, you know, that in former days God made choice among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

⁸ And God, who knoweth the hearts, gave testimony, giving unto them the Holy Ghost, as well as to us;

⁹ And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore, why tempt you God to put a yoke upon the necks of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

¹¹ But by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe to be saved, in like manner as they also.

¹² And all the multitude held their peace; and they heard Barnabas and Paul telling what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

¹³ And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying: Men, brethren, hear me.

¹⁴ Simon hath related how God first visited to take of the Gentiles a people to his name.

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.

³ Therefore, being sent forth by the church, they were passing through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling in detail about the conversion of the Gentiles; and they were causing great joy to all the brothers.

⁴ And having come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they declared all that God had done with them.

⁵ But some of those from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ And the apostles and elders gathered together to see about this matter.

⁷ And after much debate, Peter arose and said to them: “Men and brothers, you know that from early days God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.

⁸ And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as also He did to us,

⁹ and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe that we will be saved in the same manner as they.”

¹² Then all the multitude stopped speaking and listened to Barnabas and Paul telling as many signs and wonders as God had done among the Gentiles through them.

¹³ Now after they had finished speaking, James answered, saying, “Men and brothers, listen to me:

¹⁴ Simeon has related how God first visited them to take from the Gentiles a people for His name.

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;

³ So being sent on their way by the congregation, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brothers.

⁴ Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they were received by the congregation and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.

⁵ But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses.”

⁶ So the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter.

⁷ When there had been plenty of discussion, Peter got up and said to them: “Men, brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the message of the Gospel and believe.

⁸ And the heart-knowing God acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us;

⁹ and He made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

¹¹ Rather, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they.”

¹² Then the whole assembly kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the ethnic nations through them.

¹³ Now when they finished, James reacted saying: “Men, brothers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simeon has described how God first intervened to extract from the Gentiles a people for His name.

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,

³ The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they explained how foreigners were being converted, which made all the believers very happy.

⁴ When they arrived in Jerusalem they were welcomed by the church members, the apostles, and the elders. They explained everything God had done through them.

⁵ But they were opposed by some of the believers who belonged to the Pharisee faction. They said, “These converts have to be circumcised, and instructed to observe the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and elders met together to discuss the issue.

⁷ After much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that some time ago God chose me from among you so that the foreigners could hear the message of good news and trust in Jesus.

⁸ God, who knows thewhat we're thinking, has shown that he accepts them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us.

⁹ He doesn't make any distinction between us and them—he cleansed their thoughts as they trusted in him.

¹⁰ So why do you want to oppose God and put a burden on the believers that our fathers weren't able to bear, and we can't either?

¹¹ We're convinced that we're saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way they are.”

¹² Everyone listened attentively to Barnabas and Paul as they explained the miraculous signs that God had performed through them among the foreigners.

¹³ After they had finished speaking, James spoke up, saying, “Brothers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simon has described how God first revealed his concern for the foreigners by taking from them a people committed to him.

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.

³ Thus being brought forth by ye Church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conuersion of the Gentiles, and they brought great ioy vnto all the brethren.

⁴ And when they were come to Hierusalem, they were receiued of the Church, and of the Apostles and Elders, and they declared what things God had done by them.

⁵ But said they, certaine of the sect of the Pharises, which did beleeue, rose vp, saying, that it was needefull to circumcise them, and to commaund them to keepe the lawe of Moses.

⁶ Then the Apostles and Elders came together to looke to this matter.

⁷ And when there had bene great disputation, Peter rose vp, and said vnto them, Ye men and brethren, ye know that a good while ago, among vs God chose out me, that the Gentiles by my mouth should heare the worde of the Gospel, and beleeue.

⁸ And God which knoweth the heartes, bare them witnesse, in giuing vnto them ye holy Ghost euen as he did vnto vs.

⁹ And he put no difference betweene vs and them, after that by faith he had purified their heartes.

¹⁰ Nowe therefore, why tempt ye God, to lay a yoke on the disciples neckes, which neither our fathers, nor we were able to beare?

¹¹ But we beleeue, through the grace of the Lord Iesus Christ to be saued, euen as they doe.

¹² Then all the multitude kept silence, and heard Barnabas and Paul, which told what signes and wonders God had done among the Gentiles by them.

¹³ And when they helde their peace, Iames answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken vnto me.

¹⁴ Simeon hath declared, howe God first did visite the Gentiles, to take of them a people vnto his Name.

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,

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:

³ They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.

⁴ And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they related what great things God had wrought with them.

⁵ But there rose up certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

⁶ And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter.

⁷ And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe.

⁸ And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us;

⁹ and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they.

¹² And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they related what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the gentiles by them.

¹³ And after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken to me.

¹⁴ Simeon hath related how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

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;

³ The church, therefore, sent them on their journey, and they made their way through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling the story of the conversion of the Gentiles, to the great joy of all the followers.

⁴ On their arrival at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, as well as by the apostles and the elders, and gave an account of all that God had helped them to do.

⁵ Some of the Pharisees' party, however, who had become believers in Christ, came forward and declared that they were bound to circumcise converts and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.

⁶ The apostles and the church elders held a meeting to consider this question.

⁷ After much discussion, Peter rose and said: “You, my friends, know well that long ago God singled me out — that through my lips the Gentiles should hear the message of the good news, and become believers in Christ.

⁸ Now God, who reads all hearts, declared his acceptance of the Gentiles, by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.

⁹ He made no distinction between them and us, when he purified their hearts by their faith.

¹⁰ Why, then, do you now provoke God, by putting on the necks of these disciples a yoke which neither our ancestors nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ No, it is through the loving kindness of the Lord Jesus that we, just as they do, believe that we have been saved.”

¹² Every voice in the assembly was hushed, as they listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they gave an account of all the signs and wonders which God had shown amongst the Gentiles through them.

¹³ After they had finished speaking, James addressed the Council. “Friends,” he began, “hear what I have to say.

¹⁴ Simon has described the manner in which God first visited the Gentiles, in order to take from amongst them a people to bear his name.

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,

³ The church, therefore, sent them on their journey, and they made their way through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling the story of the conversion of the Gentiles, to the great joy of all the followers.

⁴ On their arrival at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, as well as by the apostles and the elders, and gave an account of all that God had helped them to do.

⁵ Some of the Pharisees' party, however, who had become believers in Christ, came forward and declared that they were bound to circumcise converts and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.

⁶ The apostles and the church elders held a meeting to consider this question.

⁷ After much discussion, Peter rose and said: “You, my friends, know well that long ago God singled me out — that through my lips the Gentiles should hear the message of the good news, and become believers in Christ.

⁸ Now God, who reads all hearts, declared his acceptance of the Gentiles, by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.

⁹ He made no distinction between them and us, when he purified their hearts by their faith.

¹⁰ Why, then, do you now provoke God, by putting on the necks of these disciples a yoke which neither our ancestors nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ No, it is through the loving kindness of the Lord Jesus that we, just as they do, believe that we have been saved.”

¹² Every voice in the assembly was hushed, as they listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they gave an account of all the signs and wonders which God had shown among the Gentiles through them.

¹³ After they had finished speaking, James addressed the Council. “Friends,” he began, “hear what I have to say.

¹⁴ Simon has described the manner in which God first visited the Gentiles, in order to take from among them a people to bear his name.

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,

³ So Paul and Barnabas did what the Christians at Antioch said. They got up to go to Jerusalem, and on their way they went through Phoenicia country and Samaria country, and they talked to the Christians in those places and told them, “A lot of people that are not Jews are believing in Jesus now.” They told them everything that God did in the other countries. The Christians in Phoenicia and Samaria were very happy to hear that news.

⁴ After that Paul and the men with him got to Jerusalem, and the Christians there were happy to see them. The close followers of Jesus and all those church leaders there told them, “Good. We are glad you came.” Then Paul and Barnabas, and the other men with them, told the Christians in Jerusalem everything that God helped them to do.

⁵ But some of those Christians in Jerusalem were Jewish law men called Pharisees, and they stood up and said, “Those Christian men that are not Jews have to have that young man’s operation, just like Moses said. We have to tell them to do all the things in the law of Moses.”

⁶ Then the close followers of Jesus, and all the church leaders met together to talk about that problem.

⁷ They talked about it for a long time, and then Peter stood up and said to them, “My friends, you know that God picked me, and I was the first one to go to the people that are not Jews to tell them the good news about Jesus. God did that so they could hear about Jesus and believe in him.

⁸ God knows what people are thinking, and he gave them the Holy Spirit to show them that he wants them in his family too. You see, at first he gave the Holy Spirit to us, then he gave the Holy Spirit to those people that are not Jews.

⁹ He did the same thing for them that he did for us. They believed in him and he made them clean from the wrong things they did.

¹⁰ So, why are you telling those Christians that are not Jews to do something that is too hard for them. You might upset God. You know that we can’t keep all of the law of Moses. It is too hard for us, and it was too hard for our grand-fathers too

¹¹ But our leader, Jesus, is good to everybody in the same way. We believe in him, and he saves us.”

¹² Then everyone stopped talking and listened to Barnabas and Paul. They told everyone that God gave them power to do great things for the people that are not Jews.

¹³ They finished talking, then a man called James stood up and said, “My friends, listen to me.

¹⁴ Peter just told us about the first time God showed everyone that he loves those people that are not Jews, and that he picked some of them to be his own people.

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.

³ And after they were brought on their waye by the congregacion they passed over Phenices and Samaria declarynge the conuersion of the getyls and they brought great ioye vnto all the brethren.

⁴ And when they were come to Ierusalem they were receaved of the congregacion and of the Apostles and elders. And they declared what thinges God had done by them.

⁵ Then arose ther vp certayne that were of the secte of the Pharises and dyd beleve sayinge that it was nedfull to circucise them and to enioyne the to kepe the lawe of Moses.

⁶ And the Apostles and elders came to geder to reason of this matter.

⁷ And when ther was moche disputinge Peter rose vp and sayde vnto them: Ye men and brethren ye knowe how that a good whyle agoo God chose amonge vs that the getyls by my mouth shuld heare the worde of the gospell and beleve.

⁸ And God which knoweth the herte bare them witnes and gave vnto them the holy goost even as he dyd vnto vs

⁹ and he put no difference bitwene them and vs but with fayth purified their hertes.

¹⁰ Now therfore why tempte ye God that ye wolde put a yoke on the disciples neckes which nether oure fathers nor we were able to beare.

¹¹ But we beleve that thorowe the grace of the Lorde Iesu Christ we shalbe saved as they doo.

¹² Then all the multitude was peased and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul which tolde what signes and wondres God had shewed amonge the gentyls by them.

¹³ And when they helde their peace Iames answered sayinge: Men and brethren herken vnto me.

¹⁴ Simeon tolde how God at the begynnynge dyd visit the gentyls and receaved of them people vnto his name.

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:

³ They therefore, being sent by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria and announced the conversion of the Gentiles. They brought great joy to all the brothers.

⁴ When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all the things that God had done with them.

⁵ But certain men who believed, who belonged to the group of Pharisees, stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ So the apostles and the elders gathered together to consider this matter.

⁷ After much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

⁸ God, who knows the heart, witnesses to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us;

⁹ and he made no distinction between us and them, making their hearts clean by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why do you test God, that you should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they were.”

¹² All the multitude kept silent while they listened to Barnabas and Paul report the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.

¹³ After they stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brothers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simon has told how God first graciously helped the Gentiles in order to take from them a people for his name.

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.

³ They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.

⁴ When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported everything that God had done with them.

⁵ But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

⁷ When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News and believe.

⁸ God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us.

⁹ He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”

¹² All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them.

¹³ After they were silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.

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,

³ They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.

⁴ When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported everything that God had done with them.

⁵ But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

⁷ When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice amongst you that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News and believe.

⁸ God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us.

⁹ He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”

¹² All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done amongst the nations through them.

¹³ After they were silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.

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,

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 to all the brethren.

⁴ And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

⁵ But there rose certain of the sect of the Pharisees, who 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 to consider of this matter.

⁷ And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose and said to them, Men, brethren, ye know 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, who knoweth the hearts, bore them witness, giving to them the Holy Spirit, even as he did to 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 by them among the Gentiles.

¹³ And after they held their peace, James answered, saying, Men, brethren, hearken to me.

¹⁴ Simeon hath declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take from among 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 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:

³ They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.

⁴ When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the emissaries and the elders, and they reported everything that God had done with them.

⁵ But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Torah of Moses.”

⁶ The emissaries and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

⁷ When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News and believe.

⁸ God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us.

⁹ He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Yeshua, just as they are.”

¹² All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them.

¹³ After they were silent, Jacob answered, “Brothers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.

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,

³ They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.

⁴ When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the emissaries and the elders, and they reported everything that God had done with them.

⁵ But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Torah of Moses.”

⁶ The emissaries and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

⁷ When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice amongst you that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News and believe.

⁸ God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us.

⁹ He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Yeshua, just as they are.”

¹² All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done amongst the nations through them.

¹³ After they were silent, Jacob answered, “Brothers, listen to me.

¹⁴ Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.

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,

³ And so they were led forth of the church, and passed by Phoenicia and Samaria; and they told the conver-sation or the living of heathen men, and they made great joy to all the brethren.

⁴ And when they came to Jeru-salem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles, and of the elder men, and told, how great or how many things God did with them.

⁵ But some of the heresy of the Pharisees, that believed, rose up, and said, That it behooveth them to be circumcised, and to command to keep also the law of Moses.

⁶ And the apostles and elder men came together, to see of this word.

⁷ And when there was made a great seeking thereof, Peter rose, and said to them, Brethren, ye know, that of old days in you, God chose by my mouth heathen men, to hear the word of the gospel, and to believe;

⁸ and God, that knew the hearts, bare witnessing, and gave to them the Holy Ghost, as also to us;

⁹ and nothing diversed betwixt us and them, cleansing the hearts of them by faith.

¹⁰ Now then what tempt ye God, to put a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither we, neither our fathers might bear?

¹¹ But by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we believe to be saved, as also they.

¹² And all the multitude held peace, and heard Barnabas and Paul, telling how great or how many signs and wonders God did by them in heathen men.

¹³ And after that they held peace, James answered, and said, Brethren, hear ye me.

¹⁴ Simon told, how God visited, first to take of heathen men, a people to his name. Simon told, how first God visited, to take of heathen men a people to his name.

¹⁵ And the words of prophets accord to him, 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,

³ And so they were led forth of the church, and passed by Phenice and Samaria; and they told the conversation or the living of heathen men, and they made great joy to all the brethren. (And so they were led forth from the church, and went through Phoenicia and Samaria; and they told them the news of the conversion of the Gentiles, and they gave great joy to all the brothers.)

⁴ And when they came to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles, and of the elder men, (or they were received by the church, and by the apostles, and by the elders), and told, how great things (that) God did with them or how many things (that) God did with them.

⁵ But some of the heresy of the Pharisees, that believed, rose up, and said, That it behooveth them to be circumcised, and to command to keep also the law of Moses.

⁶ And the apostles and elder men came together, to see of this word.

⁷ And when there was made a great seeking thereof, Peter rose, and said to them, Brethren, ye know, that of old days in you, God chose by my mouth heathen men, to hear the word of the gospel, and to believe, (or Brothers, ye know, that in the old days, or in our early days, God chose that the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel or the Good News, from my mouth, and believe it);

⁸ and God, that knew the hearts, bare witnessing, and gave to them the Holy Ghost, as also to us; (and God, who knew their hearts, testified, and gave them the Holy Spirit, as he also gave to us;)

⁹ and nothing diversed betwixt us and them, cleansing the hearts of them by faith.

¹⁰ Now then what tempt ye God (or Then why now do ye test God), to put a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither we, neither our fathers might bear?

¹¹ But by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we believe to be saved, as also they. (For we believe it is by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that we be saved, as they also be.)

¹² And all the multitude held (their) peace, and heard Barnabas and Paul, telling how great signs and wonders, or how many signs and wonders, (that) God did by them in (the) heathen men. (And all the multitude held their peace, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, telling how many miracles and wonders that God did by them among the Gentiles.)

¹³ And after that they held (their) peace, James answered, and said, Brethren, hear ye me.

¹⁴ Simon told, how God visited, first to take (out) of heathen men, a people to his name. Simon told, how first God visited, to take (out) of (or from among) (the) heathen men a people to his name. (Simon told, how God first visited, to take, or to choose, from among the Gentiles, a people to his name.)

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,

³ they indeed, then, having been sent forward by the assembly, were passing through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the nations, and they were causing great joy to all the brethren.

⁴ And having come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly, and the apostles, and the elders, they declared also as many things as God did with them;

⁵ and there rose up certain of those of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying — 'It behoveth to circumcise them, to command them also to keep the law of Moses.'

⁶ And there were gathered together the apostles and the elders, to see about this matter,

⁷ and there having been much disputing, Peter having risen up said unto them, 'Men, brethren, ye know that from former days, God among us did make choice, through my mouth, for the nations to hear the word of the good news, and to believe;

⁸ and the heart-knowing God did bare them testimony, having given to them the Holy Spirit, even as also to us,

⁹ and did put no difference also between us and them, by the faith having purified their hearts;

¹⁰ now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

¹¹ but, through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe to be saved, even as also they.'

¹² And all the multitude did keep silence, and were hearkening to Barnabas and Paul, declaring as many signs and wonders as God did among the nations through them;

¹³ and after they are silent, James answered, saying, 'Men, brethren, hearken to me;

¹⁴ Simeon did declare how at first God did look after to take out of the nations a people for His name,

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,