The Council's Letter and Peace with Antioch
Acts 15:22-35
Acts.15.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Τοτε: ADV
- εδοξε: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αποστολοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- πρεσβυτεροις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- συν: PREP
- ολη: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- εκκλησια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εκλεξαμενους: VERB,aor,mid,part,masc,acc,pl
- ανδρας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- εξ: PREP
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- πεμψαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- εις: PREP
- Αντιοχειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- συν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- Παυλω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Βαρναβα: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιουδαν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- καλουμενον: PART,pres,pass,acc,sg,m
- Βαρσαββαν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Σιλαν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ανδρας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ηγουμενους: VERB,pres,mid,part,masc,acc,pl
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αδελφοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 15:23 (structural): Immediate continuation — the apostles send a letter with the chosen men (Judas/Barsabbas and Silas) to Antioch explaining the Council's decision, showing this verse is part of the sending/communication action.
- Acts 11:22-26 (thematic): Barnabas is sent to Antioch and brings Paul there; parallels the theme of appointing/sending leaders to strengthen the Antioch church and the involvement of apostolic delegates.
- Acts 13:2-3 (structural): The church in Antioch sets apart and sends Paul and Barnabas by laying on of hands — parallels the pattern of church bodies selecting and commissioning missionaries/representatives.
- Galatians 2:1-10 (thematic): Paul's visit to Jerusalem to consult with apostles and the mutual recognition/affirmation of ministry parallels the Jerusalem Council's deliberation and the sending of envoys to confirm the agreed decision.
- 2 Corinthians 8:23 (verbal): Paul speaks of 'messengers of the churches' who are 'glory of Christ' — echoes the concept of chosen delegates (e.g., Judas/Barsabbas and Silas) sent by the church as authoritative representatives.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, who were leading men among the brothers.
- Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, who were leading men among the brothers.
Acts.15.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- γραψαντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- δια: PREP
- χειρος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτων·Οι: PRON,gen,pl,3
- αποστολοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- πρεσβυτεροι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- Αντιοχειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- Συριαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- Κιλικιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αδελφοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εξ: PREP
- εθνων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- χαιρειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Acts 15:22 (structural): Immediate context: the decision by 'the apostles and elders' to send a letter and the appointment of delegates—v.23 is the text of that letter, continuing the same narrative unit.
- Galatians 2:1–10 (thematic): Paul's account of an early Jerusalem/apostolic meeting about Gentile mission and apostles' recognition of mission spheres echoes the same Jerusalem council dynamics and apostolic authority reflected in Acts 15's letter from 'the apostles and elders.'
- Romans 1:7 (structural): Typical epistolary greeting to a regional church—'to all in Rome… grace and peace'—parallels Acts 15:23's address to the churches 'in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia' and the conventional salutation form.
- 1 Peter 1:1 (structural): An epistolary address naming multiple regions and scattered believers (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia) is parallel to Acts 15:23's regional listing and formal greeting to churches in several districts.
Alternative generated candidates
- They wrote this letter by their hands: The apostles and the elders, to the brothers of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.
- They sent this letter by their hand: 'The apostles and the elders, to the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.'
Acts.15.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- επειδη: CONJ
- ηκουσαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- τινες: PRON,nom,pl,m
- εξ: PREP
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- εξελθοντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- εταραξαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- λογοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- ανασκευαζοντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- ψυχας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- ου: PART,neg
- διεστειλαμεθα: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- Acts 15:1 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: the controversy begins with men coming from Judea teaching circumcision and thus disturbing the church, providing the background for the report of troublemakers in v.24.
- Acts 11:2-3 (thematic): Similar situation where members ‘of the circumcision’ opposed Peter’s actions (concerning Gentile inclusion), illustrating recurring intra‑Jewish dispute that unsettled believers.
- Galatians 1:6-7 (verbal): Paul condemns those who 'are turning you into a different gospel,' paralleling the charge that some went out and troubled believers with teachings contrary to the apostles' instruction.
- Galatians 5:7 (thematic): Paul asks who hindered the Galatians' progress, echoing Acts 15:24’s concern about individuals who 'disturbed' and 'threw into confusion' the believers' minds.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13 (thematic): Paul’s warning about false apostles and deceitful workers who mislead churches parallels Acts’ report of persons from among the community spreading disruptive, misleading teaching.
Alternative generated candidates
- Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your minds—though we gave them no command—
- Since some men who went out from us have troubled you with words and unsettled your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised and keep the law'—to whom we gave no command—
Acts.15.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εδοξεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- γενομενοις: VERB,aor,mid,ptc,dat,pl,m
- ομοθυμαδον: ADV
- εκλεξαμενοις: PART,aor,pass,dat,pl,m
- ανδρας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- πεμψαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- συν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αγαπητοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Βαρναβα: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Παυλω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 15:22 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: records the council's decision and the selection of men to accompany Barnabas and Paul (names and commission).
- Acts 15:27 (verbal): Close parallel in the same episode: the letter entrusted to the chosen delegates explains the council's judgment to the Gentile believers and accompanies the messengers.
- Acts 13:2-3 (thematic): Earlier example of the church selecting and sending missionaries (Barnabas and Saul) by the laying on of hands—parallels the practice of choosing and dispatching envoys for mission and counsel.
- Acts 6:3-5 (thematic): Pattern of the gathered community selecting qualified men for a task on behalf of the whole assembly—similar language and communal decision-making in choosing delegates.
- Galatians 2:1-10 (allusion): Paul’s own account of the Jerusalem meeting and the agreement about Gentile believers parallels Acts 15’s council decision and the recognition given to Paul and Barnabas (agreement not to burden Gentiles; mutual recognition of mission).
Alternative generated candidates
- it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
- it seemed good to us, having become of one accord, to select men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Acts.15.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ανθρωποις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- παραδεδωκοσι: PART,perf,act,dat,pl,m
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- ψυχας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- υπερ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ονοματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 5:41 (verbal): Believers rejoice at being counted worthy to suffer 'for the name' (τοῦ ὀνόματος) — same language and theme of suffering on account of Jesus' name.
- Philippians 2:30 (thematic): Epaphroditus 'nearly died for the work of Christ' — parallels the idea of risking one’s life in service of Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (thematic): Paul catalogues numerous perils and near-death experiences endured for the gospel, matching the theme of risking life for Christ.
- 1 Peter 4:14-16 (allusion): Encourages believers who suffer 'for the name of Christ' and calls such suffering honorable — echoes the language and theological framing of Acts 15:26.
- Acts 20:24 (thematic): Paul declares he counts not his life dear, but seeks to finish his ministry for Christ — reflects the self-sacrificial commitment expressed in 'risked their lives for the name.'
Alternative generated candidates
- men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts.15.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- απεσταλκαμεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,pl
- ουν: CONJ
- Ιουδαν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Σιλαν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- δια: PREP
- λογου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- απαγγελλοντας: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- αυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- Acts 15:22 (structural): Describes the Jerusalem council's decision to choose and send messengers to Antioch—sets up the sending mentioned in 15:27.
- Acts 15:30 (verbal): Reiterates that Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas were sent with the letter to Antioch; repeats the same logistical detail and purpose.
- Acts 15:32 (thematic): Reports that Judas and Silas, as prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words—parallels the oral proclamation noted in 15:27.
- Acts 11:30 (structural): Earlier example of the Antioch church sending delegates (Barnabas and Saul) with a message/relief to Jerusalem—similar practice of commissioning envoys between churches.
- 2 John 1:12 (thematic): The author prefers to speak face-to-face rather than write—comparable emphasis on personal, oral communication ('tell you the same things by word of mouth').
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore we send Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report by word of mouth the same things.
- Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also, by word of mouth, declare the same things.
Acts.15.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εδοξεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- γαρ: PART
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- αγιω: ADJ,dat,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- μηδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- πλεον: ADV
- επιτιθεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- βαρος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- πλην: PREP
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- επαναγκες: NOUN,gen,pl,f
Parallels
- Acts 15:19 (verbal): James' judgment: 'it is my judgment... that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God' — essentially the same decision expressed immediately before the letter.
- Acts 15:22 (structural): Describes the council's action in sending the letter and delegates — situates v.28 as part of the official ruling and communiqué.
- Acts 15:29 (structural): The explicit list of the few requirements imposed on Gentile believers ('abstain from...') — the concrete content of the 'nothing more to lay on you' clause.
- Galatians 2:3-5 (allusion): Paul's insistence that Titus, a Gentile, was not compelled to be circumcised and that the apostles did not yield on circumcision mirrors the council's refusal to impose Jewish burdens on Gentiles.
- Romans 14:13 (thematic): Paul's exhortation not to pass judgment or put a stumbling block parallels the principle of not imposing unnecessary burdens or legal requirements on fellow believers.
Alternative generated candidates
- For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:
- For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these necessary things:
Acts.15.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- απεχεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- ειδωλοθυτων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- αιματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- πνικτων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- πορνειας·εξ: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- διατηρουντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- εαυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- ευ: ADV
- πραξετε: VERB,fut,act,ind,2,pl
- ερρωσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- Acts 21:25 (quotation): Direct repetition of the Jerusalem Council's ruling to Gentile believers — same four prohibitions (food offered to idols, blood, strangled animals, sexual immorality).
- Leviticus 17:10-14 (verbal): Old Testament law prohibiting consumption of blood and prescribing how slaughtered animals' blood is to be treated; Acts echoes this food/blood prohibition language.
- 1 Corinthians 8:4-13 (thematic): Paul addresses eating food offered to idols and the conscience of weaker believers, engaging the same issue behind the Council's restriction on idol-sacrificed food.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (thematic): A Pauline injunction to abstain from sexual immorality (porneia), paralleling Acts' moral concern contained in the Council's instructions.
- Romans 14:1-23 (thematic): Discussion of disputable matters about food and the exercise of conscience toward others — related to the Council's attempt to balance liberty and communal well-being regarding eating practices.
Alternative generated candidates
- that you abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
- that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
Acts.15.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- μεν: PART
- ουν: CONJ
- απολυθεντες: VERB,aor,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- κατηλθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- εις: PREP
- Αντιοχειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- συναγαγοντες: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πληθος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- επεδωκαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- επιστολην·: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 15:23 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same episode—the text of the letter (15:23–29) is what the messengers delivered to the church in Antioch.
- Acts 11:22-26 (thematic): Early example of delegates (Barnabas, then Saul) being sent to Antioch and of assembling the growing congregation—similar patterns of missionary delegation and church gathering.
- Colossians 4:16 (verbal): Instructs that a Pauline letter be read publicly in the church, reflecting the practice of delivering and reading letters to congregations (as in Acts 15:30).
- 1 Thessalonians 5:27 (verbal): Paul’s charge that his epistle be read to all the brothers echoes the public delivery and communal reading implied by ‘gathered the multitude and delivered the letter.’
- Romans 16:1-2 (thematic): Phoebe is commended as a letter‑bearer to the Roman church—another instance of delegating trusted persons to carry and deliver authoritative communication to a congregation.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they were sent away; and when they had come to Antioch, they gathered the congregation together and delivered the letter.
- So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter.
Acts.15.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αναγνοντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- εχαρησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- επι: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- παρακλησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 11:23 (thematic): Both verses describe rejoicing in response to news/encouragement about the work of God among the churches (same verbal root ἐχάρησαν/ἐχάρη).
- Colossians 4:16 (structural): Both presuppose the public reading/circulation of an apostolic letter in a local church—Colossians explicitly instructs reading letters aloud, as Acts describes a letter being read in Antioch.
- Romans 15:5 (verbal): Uses the same lexical field (παρακλήσεως/παρακλήσει) of 'encouragement'—connects the theme of divine/Christian encouragement that elicits joy.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (thematic): Calls for mutual encouragement and building up within the church ('encourage one another'), paralleling the function of the Jerusalem letter as edifying encouragement that produced joy.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when they had read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement.
- When they had read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement it gave them.
Acts.15.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ιουδας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- Σιλας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,3
- προφηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- οντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- δια: PREP
- λογου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- πολλου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- παρεκαλεσαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αδελφους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- επεστηριξαν·: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 (verbal): States the purpose of prophecy as 'edification, exhortation, and comfort' (οἰκοδομήν, παραινεσιν, παραμυθίαν), which parallels Acts 15:32's report that prophets encouraged (παρεκάλεσαν) and strengthened the brethren.
- Ephesians 4:11-12 (thematic): Lists prophets (along with apostles, pastors, teachers) as gifts to the church 'for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body,' echoing the strengthening/encouraging role played by Judas and Silas.
- Acts 11:27-30 (structural): Describes prophets (e.g., Agabus) coming from Jerusalem and acting within the church’s life and decision-making; parallels Acts 15:32 in showing prophets' active role in guiding, exhorting, and prompting communal action.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (verbal): Uses the verb παρακαλέω ('encourage'/'admonish') in instructing believers to encourage the fainthearted and strengthen the weak, echoing the same ministry of encouragement and strengthening attributed to the prophets in Acts 15:32.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Judas and Silas, themselves prophets also, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
- And Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.
Acts.15.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ποιησαντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- χρονον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- απελυθησαν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
- μετ᾽ειρηνης: PREP
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αδελφων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- προς: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αποστειλαντας: VERB,aor,act,ptc,acc,pl,m
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 15:30-32 (structural): Immediate literary context: the letter to Gentile believers is read, Judas and Silas encourage the brothers, and then (v.33) after some time they are sent away in peace—directly parallel in scene and wording.
- Acts 13:2-3 (structural): The Antioch congregation lays hands on Barnabas and Saul and sends them out—a comparable pattern of a local church commissioning and dispatching messengers/missionaries.
- Acts 14:26-28 (thematic): Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, report what God has done and are commended to the grace of God—parallel motif of missionary deputation, reception, report, and communal blessing/peace.
- Romans 16:1-2 (allusion): Paul commends Phoebe, a courier from Cenchreae, asking the Roman church to receive her in the Lord—parallel in the sending/receiving of a church messenger and provision of hospitality and peace.
- Philippians 2:25-30 (allusion): Paul reports sending Epaphroditus back to Philippi and urges the church to welcome him—another instance of a representative being sent/received and both the communal care and peaceful dismissal.
Alternative generated candidates
- And after they had remained there for some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.
- And after they had spent some time, they were sent away in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.
Acts.15.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- Βαρναβας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- διετριβον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- εν: PREP
- Αντιοχεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- διδασκοντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ευαγγελιζομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,pl,m
- μετα: PREP
- και: CONJ
- ετερων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- πολλων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 11:26 (structural): Paul and Barnabas in Antioch teaching—earlier account of them ministering in Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians, paralleling continued teaching there.
- Acts 13:1-3 (allusion): Description of the Antioch congregation and Barnabas and Saul (Paul) as teachers/prophets who ministered and were sent out—contextual parallel to their teaching role in Antioch.
- Acts 8:4 (verbal): Believers scattered 'preached the word'—echoes the phrase and activity of evangelizing and proclaiming the Lord's message found in Acts 15:35.
- Acts 6:4 (thematic): The apostles' commitment to 'the ministry of the word' parallels Paul and Barnabas' ongoing dedication to teaching and evangelizing in Antioch.
- 2 Timothy 4:2 (thematic): Paul's later charge to 'preach the word' resonates with his earlier practice in Antioch of continual teaching and evangelizing the Lord's message.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord, with many others also.
- But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord, with many others also.
And it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose some men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas who is called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. And with them they sent the following letter:
The apostles and the elders, brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Grace to you and peace.
For it has been reported to us that certain persons from among us went out and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, to whom we gave no instruction.
Therefore it seemed good to us, having come together, 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.
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these necessary things:
that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell. So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced at its encouragement. And Judas and Silas, being themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. And after they had remained there some days, they were sent away in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord, with many others also.