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.