Acts 15:1-21 - The Jerusalem Council
1 And certain having come down from Judea taught the brethren, That except ye be circumcised by Moses custom, ye cannot be saved. 2 Therefore dissension and no small discussion having been to Paul and Barnabas with them, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas to go up, and certain others of them, to the sent and elders in Jerusalem about this question. 3 Truly therefore the sent by the church passed through Phenice and Samaria, relating the turning back of the nations: and they made great joy to all the brethren.
4 And having arrived at Jerusalem they were received by the church, and the sent and elders, and they announced what God did with them. 5 And certain of them from the sect of the Pharisees having believed, rose up, saying, That they must be circumcised, and to enjoin to keep the law of Moses.
6 And the sent and elders were gathered together to see about this word. 7 And much discussion having been, Peter having risen up, said to them, Men, brethren, ye know that from ancient days God chose among us, through my month for the nations to hear the word of good news, and believe. 8 And God the knower of hearts testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, as also us; 9 And separated nothing between us and also them, by faith having purified their hearts. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But by grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we believe to be saved, as also they.
12 And all the multitude were silent, and heard Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God did in the nations through them. 13 And after they were silent, James answered, saying, Men, brethren, hear me: 14 Simeon related how God first reviewed to take from the nations a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree: as has been written,
16 After these will I return, and rebuild the tent of David, having fallen; and its things undermined will I rebuild, and set it upright: 17 So that they remaining of men might seek out the Lord, and all the nations upon whom my name has been called upon them, says the Lord, making all these. 18 Known to God are all his works from eternity.
19 Wherefore I judge, not to molest them, from the nations turning back to God: 20 But to send to them, to keep off from pollutions of images, and harlotry, and strangulation, and blood. 21 For Moses of ancient generations has them proclaiming him in every city, being read in the synagogues in every sabbath.