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Acts 15

Some men came down from Judaea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved." Paul and Barnabas had no small disagreement and debate with them, so the church appointed Paul, Barnabas and some others to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. And being sent o

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The question

Some men came down from Judaea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved." Paul and Barnabas had no small disagreement and debate with them, so the church appointed Paul, Barnabas and some others to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. And being sent on their way by the church, they went through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling about the conversion of the Gentiles. And they gave great joy to all the brothers. When they'd come to Jerusalem, they were taken in by the church and by the apostles and elders. And they told everything God had done with them. But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose: They have to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses. The apostles and elders came together to think about this matter. After much debate, Peter stood and said, "Men and brothers, you know that some time ago God chose among us that the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel from my mouth and believe. God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. So why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples' necks which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we will be saved, even as they."

And certain men who came down from Judea taught the brothers: Unless you're circumcised the way Moses set out, you can't be saved. So when Paul and Barnabas had no small disagreement and argument with them, they settled that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they went through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling about the turning of the nations. And they gave great joy to all the brothers. And when they'd come to Jerusalem, they were taken in by the church and by the apostles and elders. And they told everything God had done with them. But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed got up: They have to be circumcised and ordered to keep the teaching of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together to think about this matter. And when there'd been plenty of arguing, Peter got up and said to them: Men and brothers, you know how a good while ago God chose among us that the nations by my mouth should hear the word of the good news and believe. And God, who knows the hearts, gave them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit the way he did to us. And made no difference between us and them, cleaning their hearts by faith. So why do you test God now, by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we were able to carry? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we'll be saved, the same way they will.

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 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. 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. 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. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 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. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 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? But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

1

Some men came down from Judaea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved."

Plain English

And certain men who came down from Judea taught the brothers: Unless you're circumcised the way Moses set out, you can't be saved.

King James Version, 1611

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

2

Paul and Barnabas had no small disagreement and debate with them, so the church appointed Paul, Barnabas and some others to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.

Plain English

So when Paul and Barnabas had no small disagreement and argument with them, they settled that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.

King James Version, 1611

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

3

And being sent on their way by the church, they went through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling about the conversion of the Gentiles. And they gave great joy to all the brothers.

Plain English

And being brought on their way by the church, they went through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling about the turning of the nations. And they gave great joy to all the brothers.

King James Version, 1611

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

When they'd come to Jerusalem, they were taken in by the church and by the apostles and elders. And they told everything God had done with them.

Plain English

And when they'd come to Jerusalem, they were taken in by the church and by the apostles and elders. And they told everything God had done with them.

King James Version, 1611

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 some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose: They have to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.

Plain English

But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed got up: They have to be circumcised and ordered to keep the teaching of Moses.

King James Version, 1611

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

The apostles and elders came together to think about this matter.

Plain English

And the apostles and elders came together to think about this matter.

King James Version, 1611

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

7

After much debate, Peter stood and said, "Men and brothers, you know that some time ago God chose among us that the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel from my mouth and believe.

Plain English

And when there'd been plenty of arguing, Peter got up and said to them: Men and brothers, you know how a good while ago God chose among us that the nations by my mouth should hear the word of the good news and believe.

King James Version, 1611

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

God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.

Plain English

And God, who knows the hearts, gave them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit the way he did to us.

King James Version, 1611

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

9

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

Plain English

And made no difference between us and them, cleaning their hearts by faith.

King James Version, 1611

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

10

So why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples' necks which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Plain English

So why do you test God now, by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we were able to carry?

King James Version, 1611

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

We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we will be saved, even as they."

Plain English

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we'll be saved, the same way they will.

King James Version, 1611

But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

James speaks

The whole crowd fell silent and listened as Barnabas and Paul described the miracles and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. After they finished speaking, James answered, "Men and brothers, listen to me. Simeon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, as it's written: After this I'll come back and will build again the tent of David that's fallen down. And I'll build again its ruins and will set it up. so that the rest of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called, says the Lord, who does all these things.' All God's works are known to him from the start of the world. So my judgment is that we do not trouble those among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but write to them that they abstain from pollutions of idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled and from blood. For Moses from old times has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Then all the crowd kept quiet and listened to Barnabas and Paul, telling what miracles and wonders God had worked among the nations by them. And after they'd held their peace, James answered: Men and brothers, listen to me. Simeon has told how God at the first looked at the nations, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, as it's written: After this I'll come back and will build again the tent of David that's fallen down. And I'll build again its ruins and will set it up. So the rest of men can look for the Lord, and all the nations my name is called on, says the Lord who does all these things. All God's works are known to him from the start of the world. So my judgment is that we don't trouble the ones from among the nations who are turned to God. But that we write to them to keep from the filth of idols and from sexual sin and from what's strangled and from blood. Because Moses from old times has in every town the ones who preach him, being read in the meeting houses every sabbath day.

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. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree 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 I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 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. 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 from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

12

The whole crowd fell silent and listened as Barnabas and Paul described the miracles and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.

Plain English

Then all the crowd kept quiet and listened to Barnabas and Paul, telling what miracles and wonders God had worked among the nations by them.

King James Version, 1611

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

After they finished speaking, James answered, "Men and brothers, listen to me.

Plain English

And after they'd held their peace, James answered: Men and brothers, listen to me.

King James Version, 1611

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

14

Simeon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his name.

Plain English

Simeon has told how God at the first looked at the nations, to take out of them a people for his name.

King James Version, 1611

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

15

And with this the words of the prophets agree, as it's written:

King James Version, 1611

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

16

After this I'll come back and will build again the tent of David that's fallen down. And I'll build again its ruins and will set it up.

King James Version, 1611

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

so that the rest of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called, says the Lord, who does all these things.'

Plain English

So the rest of men can look for the Lord, and all the nations my name is called on, says the Lord who does all these things.

King James Version, 1611

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

All God's works are known to him from the start of the world.

King James Version, 1611

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

19

So my judgment is that we do not trouble those among the Gentiles who are turning to God,

Plain English

So my judgment is that we don't trouble the ones from among the nations who are turned to God.

King James Version, 1611

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

20

but write to them that they abstain from pollutions of idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled and from blood.

Plain English

But that we write to them to keep from the filth of idols and from sexual sin and from what's strangled and from blood.

King James Version, 1611

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 from old times has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Plain English

Because Moses from old times has in every town the ones who preach him, being read in the meeting houses every sabbath day.

King James Version, 1611

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

The letter

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 — that is, Judas surnamed Barsabbas and Silas, chief men among the brothers. They sent this letter with them: "The apostles, elders and brothers send greetings to the Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. For we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words and unsettled your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised and keep the law,' though we gave them no such command. It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. So we've sent Judas and Silas, who'll tell you the same things by mouth too. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from meat offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell." So when they were let go, they came to Antioch. And when they'd gathered the crowd together, they handed over the letter. When they'd read it, they celebrated over the comfort. And Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves too, encouraged the brothers with many other words and strengthened them. After they'd stayed there a space, they were let go in peace from the brothers to the apostles. But it pleased Silas to stay there still. Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch too, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others too.

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 — that is, Judas surnamed Barsabbas and Silas, chief men among the brothers. And they wrote letters by them like this: The apostles and elders and brothers send greetings to the brothers of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Because we've heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, upsetting your souls: You have to be circumcised and keep the teaching — who we gave no such order to. It seemed good to us, being gathered with one mind, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who've put their lives at risk for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. So we've sent Judas and Silas, who'll tell you the same things by mouth too. Because it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater load on you than these needed things — that you keep from meats offered to idols and from blood and from what's strangled and from sexual sin. If you keep yourselves from these, you'll do well. Farewell. So when they were let go, they came to Antioch. And when they'd gathered the crowd together, they handed over the letter. When they'd read it, they celebrated over the comfort. And Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves too, pushed on the brothers with plenty of words and made them strong. And after they'd stayed there a space, they were let go in peace from the brothers to the apostles. But it pleased Silas to stay there still. Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch too, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with plenty of others too.

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: 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: 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: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 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. So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

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 — that is, Judas surnamed Barsabbas and Silas, chief men among the brothers.

King James Version, 1611

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

They sent this letter with them: "The apostles, elders and brothers send greetings to the Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.

Plain English

And they wrote letters by them like this: The apostles and elders and brothers send greetings to the brothers of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.

King James Version, 1611

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

For we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words and unsettled your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised and keep the law,' though we gave them no such command.

Plain English

Because we've heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, upsetting your souls: You have to be circumcised and keep the teaching — who we gave no such order to.

King James Version, 1611

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 to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Plain English

It seemed good to us, being gathered with one mind, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

King James Version, 1611

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26

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

Plain English

men who've put their lives at risk for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

King James Version, 1611

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

27

So we've sent Judas and Silas, who'll tell you the same things by mouth too.

King James Version, 1611

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 Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

Plain English

Because it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater load on you than these needed things —

King James Version, 1611

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

29

that you abstain from meat offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell."

Plain English

that you keep from meats offered to idols and from blood and from what's strangled and from sexual sin. If you keep yourselves from these, you'll do well. Farewell.

King James Version, 1611

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 let go, they came to Antioch. And when they'd gathered the crowd together, they handed over the letter.

King James Version, 1611

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

31

When they'd read it, they celebrated over the comfort.

King James Version, 1611

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

32

And Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves too, encouraged the brothers with many other words and strengthened them.

Plain English

And Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves too, pushed on the brothers with plenty of words and made them strong.

King James Version, 1611

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

33

After they'd stayed there a space, they were let go in peace from the brothers to the apostles.

Plain English

And after they'd stayed there a space, they were let go in peace from the brothers to the apostles.

King James Version, 1611

And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

34

But it pleased Silas to stay there still.

King James Version, 1611

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

35

Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch too, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others too.

Plain English

Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch too, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with plenty of others too.

King James Version, 1611

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

Paul and Barnabas split

Some days later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit our brothers in every city where we preached the word of the Lord, and see how they're getting on." Barnabas was set on taking with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul didn't think it good to take him with them, who'd left them from Pamphylia and hadn't gone with them to the work. The disagreement became so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of God. He went through Syria and Cilicia, making the churches strong.

And some days after, Paul said to Barnabas: Let's go again and visit our brothers in every town where we've preached the word of the Lord, and see how they're doing. And Barnabas was set on taking with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul didn't think it good to take him with them, who'd left them from Pamphylia and hadn't gone with them to the work. And the disagreement between them was so sharp that they parted from each other. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. And Paul chose Silas and went off, handed over by the brothers to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, making the churches strong.

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. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

36

Some days later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit our brothers in every city where we preached the word of the Lord, and see how they're getting on."

Plain English

And some days after, Paul said to Barnabas: Let's go again and visit our brothers in every town where we've preached the word of the Lord, and see how they're doing.

King James Version, 1611

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.

37

Barnabas was set on taking with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Plain English

And Barnabas was set on taking with them John, whose surname was Mark.

King James Version, 1611

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

38

But Paul didn't think it good to take him with them, who'd left them from Pamphylia and hadn't gone with them to the work.

King James Version, 1611

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

39

The disagreement became so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus,

Plain English

And the disagreement between them was so sharp that they parted from each other. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.

King James Version, 1611

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

40

while Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of God.

Plain English

And Paul chose Silas and went off, handed over by the brothers to the grace of God.

King James Version, 1611

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

41

He went through Syria and Cilicia, making the churches strong.

Plain English

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, making the churches strong.

King James Version, 1611

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.