Acts 15:10 Themes and Topics

Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation , to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, principal men among the brethren; Verse Concepts

Then certain men who came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And they, being accompanied by some from the congregation , passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. read more.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the congregation and by the apostles and elders, and they declared all the things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? For we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what great miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return and will restore the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and I will set it up again, that the men that are left might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who does all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore my sentence is that those from among the Gentiles who are converted to God not be troubled, but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols and from fornication and from things strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city those that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation , to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, principal men among the brethren; and they wrote letters by them after this manner: The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia; forasmuch as we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from foods offered to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle, which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching the word of the Lord and announcing the gospel, with many others also.

Then certain men who came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And they, being accompanied by some from the congregation , passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. read more.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the congregation and by the apostles and elders, and they declared all the things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

forasmuch as we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment, Verse Concepts

But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised, And that in spite of the false brethren, who entered secretly to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus that they might bring us into bondage; Unto whom we did not submit even for one hour that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Here there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not, for he that is not against us is for us.

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name and he does not follow us; and we forbade him because he does not follow us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not, for there is no one who does a miracle in my name that can then speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us. read more.
For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name because ye are of the Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

So then, if God gave them the same gift as he did unto us, who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I should withstand God? When they heard these things, they were silent and glorified God, saying, Then God has also granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles.

Then certain men who came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And they, being accompanied by some from the congregation , passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. read more.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the congregation and by the apostles and elders, and they declared all the things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? For we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what great miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return and will restore the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and I will set it up again, that the men that are left might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who does all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore my sentence is that those from among the Gentiles who are converted to God not be troubled, but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols and from fornication and from things strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city those that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation , to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, principal men among the brethren; and they wrote letters by them after this manner: The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia; forasmuch as we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from foods offered to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle, which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

Paul, slave of Jesus, the Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God (which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures) of his Son (who was born unto him of the seed of David according to the flesh, read more.
who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection from the dead), of Jesus, the Christ, our Lord. By whom we have received the grace and the apostleship, to cause the faith to be obeyed among all the Gentiles in his name, among whom ye are also the called of Jesus Christ; to all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints; ye have grace and peace of God our Father and of the Lord Jesus, the Christ.

I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to announce the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of the Christ; for it is the power of God to give saving health to every one that believes: to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

For by the deeds of the law, no flesh shall be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now, without the law, the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets: the righteousness, that is, of God by the faith of Jesus, the Christ, for all and upon all those that believe in him, for there is no difference; read more.
for all have sinned and are made destitute of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus, the Christ, whom God purposed for reconciliation through faith in his blood for the manifestation of his righteousness, for the remission of sins that are past, by the patience of God, manifesting in this time his righteousness that he only be the just one and the justifier of him that is of the faith of Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, seeing it is one God who shall justify the circumcision by faith and the uncircumcision by faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? No, in no wise; to the contrary, we establish the law.

Justified therefore by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus, the Christ, by whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and glory in hope of the glory of the sons of God.

For he is our peace, who of both has made one, breaking down the middle wall of separation, abolishing in his flesh the enmity, which was the law of commandments in the order of rites, to edify in himself the two in one new man, making peace, and to reconcile both with God by the cross in one body, having slain the enmity thereby; read more.
and he came and preached peace unto you who were afar off and to those that were near.

But now, having known God, or rather being known of God, how do ye turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, in which ye desire again to be in slavery? Verse Concepts

And when they come from the market, unless they wash, they eat not. And there are many other things which they took upon themselves to hold such as the washing of cups and pots, brasen vessels and of tables.) Verse Concepts

Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? Verse Concepts

Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with the yoke of slavery. Verse Concepts

For if ye are dead with the Christ to the elements of the world, why, as though living unto the world, do ye decree rites, Verse Concepts

but in foods and drinks and different washings and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of correction. Verse Concepts

abolishing in his flesh the enmity, which was the law of commandments in the order of rites, to edify in himself the two in one new man, making peace, Verse Concepts

where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, slave nor free: but Christ is all and in all. Verse Concepts

As many as desire to please in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised, only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of the Christ. Verse Concepts

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. read more.
And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? For we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what great miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return and will restore the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and I will set it up again, that the men that are left might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who does all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore my sentence is that those from among the Gentiles who are converted to God not be troubled, but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols and from fornication and from things strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city those that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation , to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, principal men among the brethren; and they wrote letters by them after this manner: The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia; forasmuch as we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from foods offered to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

seeing it is one God who shall justify the circumcision by faith and the uncircumcision by faith. Verse Concepts

Is this blessedness, therefore, only upon the circumcision or also upon the uncircumcision? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the circumcision as a sign, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all the uncircumcised believers, that it might be counted unto them also as righteousness,

Is anyone called being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Is anyone called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing but the keeping of the commandments of God.

But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised, And that in spite of the false brethren, who entered secretly to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus that they might bring us into bondage;

Behold, I, Paul, say unto you that if ye become circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Ye are empty of the Christ, whosoever of you that justify yourselves by the law; ye are fallen from grace. read more.
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by charity. Ye did run well; who hindered you that ye should not trust in the truth? This persuasion does not come of him that called you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord that ye will not be otherwise minded, but he that troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Therefore remember that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who were called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh, which is made by hands, Verse Concepts

Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? Verse Concepts

Then certain men who came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And they, being accompanied by some from the congregation , passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. read more.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the congregation and by the apostles and elders, and they declared all the things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? For we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what great miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return and will restore the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and I will set it up again, that the men that are left might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who does all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore my sentence is that those from among the Gentiles who are converted to God not be troubled, but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols and from fornication and from things strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city those that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation , to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, principal men among the brethren; and they wrote letters by them after this manner: The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia; forasmuch as we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from foods offered to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us, read more.
and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? For we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what great miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return and will restore the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and I will set it up again, that the men that are left might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who does all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore my sentence is that those from among the Gentiles who are converted to God not be troubled, but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols and from fornication and from things strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city those that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation , to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, principal men among the brethren; and they wrote letters by them after this manner: The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia; forasmuch as we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from foods offered to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Then the disciples, each one according to what he had, determined to send relief unto the brethren who dwelt in Judea, which they likewise did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Then certain men who came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And they, being accompanied by some from the congregation , passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. read more.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the congregation and by the apostles and elders, and they declared all the things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? For we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what great miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return and will restore the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and I will set it up again, that the men that are left might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who does all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore my sentence is that those from among the Gentiles who are converted to God not be troubled, but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols and from fornication and from things strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city those that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation , to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, principal men among the brethren; and they wrote letters by them after this manner: The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia; forasmuch as we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from foods offered to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle, which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching the word of the Lord and announcing the gospel, with many others also.

And having ordained elders for them in every congregation and having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed. Verse Concepts

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which is given unto thee to prophesy, through the laying on of the hands of the elders. Verse Concepts

And as they went through the cities, they asked them to keep the decrees that had been determined by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem. And so the congregations were established in the faith and increased in number daily.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the congregation . Verse Concepts

Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops to feed the congregation of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing, grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among your own selves, men shall arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves. read more.
Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is powerful to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

And the day following, Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were gathered. Verse Concepts

Let the elders that govern well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder do not receive an accusation, unless there are two or three witnesses.

For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou should correct that which is lacking and set in place elders in every city, as I had commanded thee: He who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children who can not be accused of dissoluteness, nor insubordinate. For the bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God; not arrogant, not quick to anger, not given to wine, not hurtful, not greedy of dishonest gain, read more.
but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, temperate, just, holy, gentle, holding fast the doctrine according to the faithful word, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us, read more.
and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? For we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

And when they did not agree among themselves, they departed, after Paul had spoken this word, Well spoke the Holy Spirit by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers, saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see and not perceive; for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and should be converted and I should heal them. read more.
Be it known, therefore, unto you that this saving health of God is sent unto the Gentiles and that they will hear it.

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who did not follow after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, that is to say, the righteousness which is by faith, and Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they followed it not by faith but, as it were, by the works (of the law); therefore, they stumbled on the stumblingstone; read more.
as it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock that will cause some to fall, and whosoever believes in him shall not be ashamed.

I say then, Has God cast away his people? No, in no wise. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away his people whom he knew beforehand. Know ye not what the scripture says of Elijah? how speaking to God against Israel, he said, Lord, they have killed thy prophets and ruined thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. read more.
But what did the answer of God say unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee before Baal. Even so then at this present time also, there is a remnant by the gracious election of God. And if by grace, then is it not by works; otherwise, the grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, then it is no longer grace; otherwise, the work is no longer work. What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks after; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (according as it is written, God has given them the spirit of anguish, eyes with which they do not see and ears with which they do not hear) unto this day. And David says, Let their table be turned into a snare and a net and a stumblingblock and a recompense unto them; Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and bow down their back always. I say then, Have they stumbled in such a manner that they should fall completely? No, in no wise; but rather through their fall, saving health is come unto the Gentiles to provoke them unto jealousy. And if the fall of them is the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles, how much more shall their fullness be? For (I call you Gentiles) inasmuch as I am truly the apostle of the Gentiles, my honorable ministry, if in any manner I may provoke my nation to jealousy and cause some of them to be saved. For if the casting away of them is the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit is holy, so shall the rest be; and if the root is holy, so shall be the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them and hath been made participant of the root and of the fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if thou boast, know that thou dost not bear the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off that I might be grafted in. Good; because of their unbelief they were broken off, but thou by faith art standing. Do not be highminded, but fear that if God did not forgive the natural branches, neither shall he forgive thee. Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity, but toward thee, goodness if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And even them, if they do not continue in unbelief, shall be grafted in, for God is powerful enough to graft them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature and wert grafted contrary to nature into the good olive tree, how much more shall these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye ignore this mystery, that ye not be arrogant regarding yourselves: that blindness in part has happened in Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles are come in. And even if all Israel were saved, as it is written: There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall take away the ungodliness from Jacob; and this shall be my covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins. So that, as concerning the gospel, I have them for enemies for your sakes; but as touching the election of God, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in time past have not obeyed God, yet have now obtained mercy through the occasion of their disobedience, likewise these also have not believed now that through the mercy shown unto you they also may obtain mercy. For God enclosed everyone in disobedience, that he might have mercy upon everyone.

Even as Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that those who are of faith, the same are the sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles through faith, evangelized Abraham in advance, saying, In thee shall all the Gentiles be blessed. read more.
So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident, for The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith, but The man that does the commandments shall live by them. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, (for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree), That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Ye are empty of the Christ, whosoever of you that justify yourselves by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Verse Concepts

Then certain men who came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And they, being accompanied by some from the congregation , passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. read more.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the congregation and by the apostles and elders, and they declared all the things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? For we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what great miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return and will restore the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and I will set it up again, that the men that are left might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who does all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore my sentence is that those from among the Gentiles who are converted to God not be troubled, but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols and from fornication and from things strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city those that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation , to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, principal men among the brethren; and they wrote letters by them after this manner: The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia; forasmuch as we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from foods offered to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Verse Concepts

And if by grace, then is it not by works; otherwise, the grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, then it is no longer grace; otherwise, the work is no longer work. Verse Concepts

But when I saw that they did not walk uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, dost live after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why dost thou compel the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. read more.
But if, while we seek to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of our sin? No, in no wise. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a rebel. For through the law I am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not reject the grace of God, for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? Verse Concepts

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. When Peter was come up to Jerusalem, those that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, Why didst thou go in to men uncircumcised and eat with them? read more.
But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a rapture of understanding I saw a vision: A certain vessel descended like a great sheet let down from heaven by the four corners, and it came unto me, upon which when I had fastened my eyes, I considered and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth and wild beasts and reptiles and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter, slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord, for nothing common or unclean has at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God has cleansed, do not call common. And this was done three times, and it was all drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, who stood and said unto him, Send to Joppa and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter, who shall tell thee words, by which thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, when he said, John indeed baptized in water, but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. So then, if God gave them the same gift as he did unto us, who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I should withstand God? When they heard these things, they were silent and glorified God, saying, Then God has also granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles.

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. read more.
Now therefore why tempt ye God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? For we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.