| Then came certain from Jewrie, and taught the brethren except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. And when there was risen dissension and disputing not a little unto Paul and Barnabas against them. They determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them should ascend to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and elders about this question. And after they were brought on their way by the congregation, they passed over Phenices and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the congregation and of the Apostles and elders. And they declared what things God had done by them. Then arose there up certain of the sect of the Pharisees, which did believe, saying, that it was needful to circumcise them and to enjoin them to keep the law of Moses. And the Apostles and elders came together to reason of this matter.
And when there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them: Ye men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God which knoweth the heart, bare them witness, and gave unto them the holy ghost, even as he did unto us and he put no difference between them and us, but with faith purified their hearts. Now therefore why tempt ye God, that ye would put a yoke on the disciples necks, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved, as they do. Then all the multitude was peaced and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, which told what signs and wonders God had showed among the Gentiles, by them.
And when they held their peace, James answered saying: Men and brethren hearken unto me. Simeon told how God at the beginning did visit the Gentiles, and received of them, people unto his name. And to this agreeth the words of the Prophets, as it is written: After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down, and that which is fallen in decay of it, will I build again, and I will set it up, that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and also the Gentiles upon whom my name is named saith the Lord, which doth all these things: known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them which from among the Gentiles, are turned to God: but that we write unto them, that they abstain themselves from filthiness of images from fornication, from strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city that preach him, and he is read in the synagogues every Saboth day.
Then pleased it the Apostles and elders with the whole congregation, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioche with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called also Barsabas, and Silas, which were chief men among the brethren, and gave them letters in their hands after this manner.
The Apostles, elders and brethren send greetings unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. For as much as we have heard that certain which departed from us, have troubled you with words, and cumbered your minds saying: Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment. It seemed therefore to us a good thing, when we were come together with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have jeopardied their lives for the name of our Lord *Jesu Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, which shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the holy ghost and to us, to put no grievous thing to you more than these necessary things: that is to say, that ye abstain from things offered to images, from blood, from strangled and fornication. From which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. So fare ye well.
When they were departed, they came to Antioche and gathered the multitude together and delivered the epistle. When they had read it, they rejoiced of that consolation. And Judas and Silas being Prophets, exhorted the brethren with much preaching, and strengthened them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace of the brethren unto the Apostles. Not withstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioche teaching and preaching the word of the Lord with other many.
But after a certain space, Paul said unto Barnabas: Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have showed the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas gave counsel to take with them John, called also Mark. But Paul thought it not meet to take him unto their company which departed from them at Pamphilia, and went not with them to the work. And the dissension was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: so that Barnabas took Mark and sailed unto Cypers. And Paul chose Silas and departed, delivered of the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through all Cyria and Cilicia, establishing the congregations. |
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