9. And He made no difference between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith (by a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God).
10. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting a yoke on the necks of the disciples, such as neither our forefathers nor we [ourselves] were able to endure?
11. But we believe that we are saved through the grace (the undeserved favor and mercy) of the Lord Jesus, just as they [are].
12. Then the whole assembly remained silent, and they listened [attentively] as Barnabas and Paul rehearsed what signs and wonders God had performed through them among the Gentiles.
13. When they had finished talking, James replied, Brethren, listen to me.
14. Simeon [Peter] has rehearsed how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people [to bear and honor] His name.
15. And with this the predictions of the prophets agree, as it is written,
16. After this I will come back, and will rebuild the house of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its [very] ruins, and I will set it up again,
17. So that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name has been invoked,