12. The entire assembly fell quiet as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describe all the signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through their activity.
13. When Barnabas and Paul also fell silent, James responded, “Fellow believers, listen to me.
14. Simon reported how, in his kindness, God came to the Gentiles in the first place, to raise up from them a people of God.
15. The prophets’ words agree with this; as it is written,
16. After this I will return, and I will rebuild David’s fallen tent; I will rebuild what has been torn down. I will restore it
17. so that the rest of humanity will seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who belong to me. The Lord says this, the one who does these things
18. known from earliest times.
19. "Therefore, I conclude that we shouldn’t create problems for Gentiles who turn to God.
20. Instead, we should write a letter, telling them to avoid the pollution associated with idols, sexual immorality, eating meat from strangled animals, and consuming blood.
21. After all, Moses has been proclaimed in every city for a long time, and is read aloud every Sabbath in every synagogue."
22. The apostles and the elders, along with the entire church, agreed to send some delegates chosen from among themselves to Antioch, together with Paul and Barnabas. They selected Judas Barsabbas and Silas, who were leaders among the brothers and sisters.
23. They were to carry this letter: The apostles and the elders, to the Gentile brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Greetings!
24. We’ve heard that some of our number have disturbed you with unsettling words we didn’t authorize.
25. We reached a united decision to select some delegates and send them to you along with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul.
26. These people have devoted their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27. Therefore, we are sending Judas and Silas. They will confirm what we have written.
28. The Holy Spirit has led us to the decision that no burden should be placed on you other than these essentials: