5. But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.”
6. The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.
7. After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.
8. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us.
9. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts.
10. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?
11. On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.”
12. The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.
13. After they had fallen silent, James responded, “My brothers, listen to me.
14. Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name.
15. The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written:
16. ‘After this I shall returnand rebuild the fallen hut of David;from its ruins I shall rebuild itand raise it up again,
17. so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord,even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked.Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things,
18. known from of old.’
19. It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God,
20. but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood.
21. For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”
22. Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
23. This is the letter delivered by them: “The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings.
24. Since we have heard that some of our number [who went out] without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind,
25. we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,