11. But we believe that we and they too will be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus!”
12. Then the whole group became quiet. They listened to Paul and Barnabas speak. Paul and Barnabas told about all the miracles and signs that God did through them among the non-Jewish people.
13. After they finished speaking, James spoke. He said, “Brothers, listen to me.
14. Simon has told us how God showed his love for the non-Jewish people. For the first time he has accepted them and made them his people.
15. The words of the prophets agree with this too:
16. ‘After these things I will return.The kingdom of David is like a fallen tent.But I will rebuild it.And I will again build its ruins.And I will set it up.
17. Then those people who are left alive may ask the Lord for help.And all people from other nations may worship me,says the Lord.And he will make it happen.
18. And these things have been known for a long time.’ Amos 9:11-12
19. “So I think we should not bother the non-Jewish brothers who have turned to God.
20. Instead, we should write a letter to them. We should tell them these things: Do not eat food that has been offered to idols. (This makes the food unclean.) Do not take part in any kind of sexual sin. Do not taste blood. Do not eat animals that have been strangled.
21. They should not do these things, because there are still men in every city who teach the law of Moses. For a long time the words of Moses have been read in the synagogue every Sabbath day.”
22. The apostles, the elders, and the whole church decided to send some of their men with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. They chose Judas Barsabbas and Silas, who were respected by the believers.
23. They sent the following letter with them:From the apostles and elders, your brothers.To all the non-Jewish brothers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:Dear Brothers,
24. We have heard that some of our men have come to you and said things that trouble and upset you. But we did not tell them to do this!
25. We have all agreed to choose some men and send them to you. They will be with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul—
26. men who have given their lives to serve our Lord Jesus Christ.