17. So that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name has been invoked,
18. Says the Lord, Who has been making these things known from the beginning of the world. [Isa. 45:21; Jer. 12:15; Amos 9:11, 12.]
19. Therefore it is my opinion that we should not put obstacles in the way of and annoy and disturb those of the Gentiles who turn to God,
20. But we should send word to them in writing to abstain from and avoid anything that has been polluted by being offered to idols, and all sexual impurity, and [eating meat of animals] that have been strangled, and [tasting of] blood.
21. For from ancient generations Moses has had his preachers in every town, for he is read [aloud] every Sabbath in the synagogues.
22. Then the apostles and the elders, together with the whole church, resolved to select men from among their number and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, [both] leading men among the brethren, and sent them.
23. With [them they sent] the following letter: The brethren, both the apostles and the elders, to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings:
24. As we have heard that some persons from our number have disturbed you with their teaching, unsettling your minds and throwing you into confusion, although we gave them no express orders or instructions [on the points in question],
25. It has been resolved by us in assembly to select men and send them [as messengers] to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26. Men who have hazarded their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27. So we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will bring you the same message by word of mouth.
28. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these indispensable requirements:
29. That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from [tasting] blood and from [eating the meat of animals] that have been strangled and from sexual impurity. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell [be strong]!
30. So when [the messengers] were sent off, they went down to Antioch; and having assembled the congregation, they delivered the letter.
31. And when they read it, the people rejoiced at the consolation and encouragement [it brought them].
32. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God), urged and warned and consoled and encouraged the brethren with many words and strengthened them.
33. And after spending some time there, they were sent back by the brethren with [the greeting] peace to those who had sent them.
34. However, Silas decided to stay on there.
35. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch and with many others also continued teaching and proclaiming the good news, the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in God's kingdom].