13Then the priest of Jupiter, who was the presiding deity of their city, brought bulls and garlands unto the gates of the city, and intended to offer a sacrifice with the people. 14But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard it, they rent their garments, and rushed into the crowd, crying out, 15and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We too are mortals subject to the same infirmities with you; preaching to you the gospel, that ye should turn from these vain things unto the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things which are therein: 16who in the past generations hath suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17Although indeed he left not himself untestified of, doing us good, giving us from heaven showers, and fruitful seasons, replenishing our hearts with food and gladness. 18And thus speaking, scarce restrained they the multitudes from offering the sacrifice to them.
19Then came the Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and gaining over the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20But as the disciples stood around him, he arose, and entered into the city: and on the morrow he departed with Barnabas for Derbe. 21And after preaching the gospel in that city, and bringing many to become disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch; 22strengthening the souls of the brethren, exhorting them to abide firm in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must pass into the kingdom of heaven. 23Then appointing them presbyters in every city, by prayer with fastings they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
24Then passing through Pisidia, they came unto Pamphylia. 25And having spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia: 26and thence sailed for Antioch, from whence they had been commended to the grace of God for the service which they had performed. 27So when they arrived they called the church together, and related what great things God had done by them, and that he had opened to the heathen the door of faith.
28And there they abode no inconsiderable time with the disciples.
[CHAP. XV.]
AND certain persons coming down from Judea taught the brethren, That if ye are not circumcised according to the ordinances of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2There being therefore no small contention and dispute maintained by Paul and Barnabas against them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of their body, should go up to the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem, for the decision of this question. 3They therefore being sent on their way by the church, passed through Phœnicia and Samaria, giving a particular narrative of the conversion of the Gentiles: and they gave great joy to all the brethren. 4Then when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were cordially received by the church, and the apostles and presbyters, and they related how great things God had done by them. 5But up rose some of the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of Moses. 6Then the apostles and presbyters were assembled to consider of this matter. 7When after much dispute, Peter arose, and said unto them,
Men and brethren, ye know that a considerable time ago God chose among us, by my mouth, that the Gentiles should hear the gospel-word, and believe. 8And God, who is the discerner of the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as to us; 9and made no difference betwixt either us or them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10Why then now tempt ye God, by imposing a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the same way as they. 12Then the whole multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, relating how great signs and miracles God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
13Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me: 14Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16“After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again: 17that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things[46].” 18Known unto God from the beginning are all his works. 19Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God: 20but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idol sacrifices, and from whoredom, and from what is strangled, and from blood. 21For Moses for ages past in every city hath those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day.
22Then it was determined by the apostles and presbyters with the whole church, to send select men from themselves unto Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren; 23writing a letter by their hand, in these words:
The apostles and presbyters and the brethren, to the brethren from among the Gentiles which are at Antioch, and in Syria, and Cilicia, greeting: 24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain persons who went out from us have disturbed you with discourses, unsettling your minds, insisting, that you should be circumcised, and observe the law: to whom we gave no such charge: 25it hath seemed fit to us, assembled unanimously, to send unto you select men with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they by word of mouth will tell you the same things. 28For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no other burden except these things which are of absolute necessity; 29that ye abstain from eating whatever is sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from whoredom: from which things carefully preserving yourselves, ye shall do well. Farewell.