Acts 15:10 Themes and Topics

Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. Verse Concepts

And there came down certain men from Judaea, and taught the brethren, Unless ye are circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. But when Paul and Barnabas had had no small dissension and debate with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they related what great things God had wrought with them. But there rose up certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they. And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they related what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the gentiles by them. And after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken to me. Simeon hath related how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written: "After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which hath fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the gentiles, who have been called by my name, saith the Lord, who doeth these things, which were known from the beginning." Wherefore my judgment is, that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we should write to them by letter to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from that which hath been strangled, and from blood. For Moses from the times of old hath had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. And they wrote by them, "The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from the gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting. Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things: to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell." They therefore being sent away came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words and confirmed them. And when they had remained some time, they were dismissed with peace from the brethren to those who sent them. (...) But Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and publishing, with many others also, the glad tidings of the word of the Lord.

And there came down certain men from Judaea, and taught the brethren, Unless ye are circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. But when Paul and Barnabas had had no small dissension and debate with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they related what great things God had wrought with them. But there rose up certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command; Verse Concepts

But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised; and that because of the false brethren stealthily brought in, who crept in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring into bondage; to whom not even for an hour did we yield by the required subjection, that the truth of the gospel might still remain with you.

for as many of you as were baptized into Christ, did put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is no male and female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus;

And John answering said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name, and we forbade him, because he doth not follow in our company. But Jesus said to him, Forbid him not; for he that is not against you is for you.

John said to him, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name who followeth not us; and we forbade him, because he did not follow us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not. For no one, who shall do a miracle in my name, can readily speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us. read more.
For whoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, truly do I say to you, he will not lose his reward.

Since then God gave the like gift to them as to us, on believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God? And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, So then to the gentiles also God hath granted repentance unto life.

And there came down certain men from Judaea, and taught the brethren, Unless ye are circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. But when Paul and Barnabas had had no small dissension and debate with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they related what great things God had wrought with them. But there rose up certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they. And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they related what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the gentiles by them. And after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken to me. Simeon hath related how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written: "After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which hath fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the gentiles, who have been called by my name, saith the Lord, who doeth these things, which were known from the beginning." Wherefore my judgment is, that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we should write to them by letter to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from that which hath been strangled, and from blood. For Moses from the times of old hath had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. And they wrote by them, "The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from the gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting. Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things: to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell." They therefore being sent away came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, a called apostle, set apart to preach the gospel of God, which he had promised before by his prophets in the Holy Scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David as to the flesh, read more.
and shown with power to be the Son of God as to his spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord; through whom we received grace and the office of an apostle in behalf of his name, in order to produce obedience to the faith among all nations; among whom are ye also, the called of Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God at Rome, called, holy: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am debtor both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the unwise. So, according to my ability, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel; for to every believer, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, it is the power of God unto salvation.

Because by works of the Law no flesh shall be accepted as righteous: for by the Law is the knowledge of sin. But now, apart from the Law, the righteousness which is of God, to which the Law and the Prophets bear testimony, even the righteousness which is of God through faith in Jesus Christ, hath been made manifest to all and for all believers. For there is no distinction. read more.
For all have sinned, and fail of obtaining the glory which cometh from God; being accepted as righteous freely, by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom, in his blood, through faith, God hath set forth as a propitiatory sacrifice, in order to manifest his righteousness, on account of his passing by, in his forbearance, the sins committed in former times; in order to manifest his righteousness at the present time, so that he may be righteous, and accept as righteous him who hath faith. Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay; but by the law of faith. We conclude therefore, that a man is accepted as righteous through faith, without the works of the Law. Or is God [the God] of Jews alone? Is he not also the God of gentiles? Yea, of gentiles also. Seeing there is but one God, who will accept the circumcised as righteous by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then make void the Law through faith? Far be it! On the contrary, we establish the Law.

Therefore being accepted as righteous through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom also we have had admission into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory which God will confer.

For it is he who is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition between us, that is, the enmity; having abolished in his flesh the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create of the two one new man in himself, thus making peace, and might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having slain on it the enmity. read more.
And he came and brought the glad tidings of peace to you who were afar off, and of peace to those that were near;

but now, after having known God, or rather having been known by God, how is it that ye are turning back to the weak and beggarly rudiments to which ye wish to be again in bondage? Verse Concepts

and on coming from the marketplace, unless they bathe, they do not eat; and there are many other things which they have received to hold, the dipping of cups, and pitchers, and brazen vessels;) Verse Concepts

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

Stand firm in the liberty with which Christ made us free, and be not again bound fast to the yoke of bondage. Verse Concepts

If ye died with Christ to the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances, such as, Verse Concepts

being only ordinances pertaining to the flesh, which in addition to meats and drinks and divers washings are imposed until the time of reformation. Verse Concepts

having abolished in his flesh the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create of the two one new man in himself, thus making peace, Verse Concepts

where there is no Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. Verse Concepts

As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, these are constraining you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. Verse Concepts

But there rose up certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. read more.
And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they. And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they related what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the gentiles by them. And after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken to me. Simeon hath related how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written: "After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which hath fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the gentiles, who have been called by my name, saith the Lord, who doeth these things, which were known from the beginning." Wherefore my judgment is, that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we should write to them by letter to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from that which hath been strangled, and from blood. For Moses from the times of old hath had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. And they wrote by them, "The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from the gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting. Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things: to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell."

Seeing there is but one God, who will accept the circumcised as righteous by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. Verse Concepts

Doth this blessedness belong to the circumcised alone, or to the uncircumcised also? For we are saying that Abrahams faith was accounted as righteousness. How then was it so accounted? After his circumcision, or while he was uncircumcised? Not after he was circumcised, but while he was uncircumcised. And he received the outward sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all the uncircumcised who have faith, so that righteousness might be put to their account also;

Was any one called being circumcised, let him not become as if uncircumcised; hath any one been called in uncircumcision, let him not become circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised; and that because of the false brethren stealthily brought in, who crept in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring into bondage;

Behold, I Paul say to you, that if ye are circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing; yea, I testify again to every one who becometh circumcised, that he is bound to keep the whole Law. Ye are entirely separated from Christ, who seek to obtain righteousness through the Law; ye have fallen away from grace. read more.
For we through the Spirit by faith steadfastly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working by love. Ye were running well; who hindered you, that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion came not from him that called you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I indeed have confidence in regard to you in the Lord, that ye will be no otherwise minded; but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whoever he may be. But as for me, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then hath the cross ceased to be a stumblingblock.

Wherefore remember, that in time past ye, the gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcised by those who are called circumcised, having the circumcision of the flesh, performed by hand, Verse Concepts

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

And there came down certain men from Judaea, and taught the brethren, Unless ye are circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. But when Paul and Barnabas had had no small dissension and debate with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they related what great things God had wrought with them. But there rose up certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they. And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they related what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the gentiles by them. And after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken to me. Simeon hath related how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written: "After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which hath fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the gentiles, who have been called by my name, saith the Lord, who doeth these things, which were known from the beginning." Wherefore my judgment is, that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we should write to them by letter to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from that which hath been strangled, and from blood. For Moses from the times of old hath had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. And they wrote by them, "The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from the gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting. Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things: to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell."

And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; read more.
and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they. And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they related what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the gentiles by them. And after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken to me. Simeon hath related how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written: "After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which hath fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the gentiles, who have been called by my name, saith the Lord, who doeth these things, which were known from the beginning." Wherefore my judgment is, that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we should write to them by letter to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from that which hath been strangled, and from blood. For Moses from the times of old hath had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. And they wrote by them, "The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from the gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting. Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things: to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell."

And according as any one of the disciples was prospered, they determined every one of them to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judaea; which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

And there came down certain men from Judaea, and taught the brethren, Unless ye are circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. But when Paul and Barnabas had had no small dissension and debate with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they related what great things God had wrought with them. But there rose up certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they. And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they related what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the gentiles by them. And after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken to me. Simeon hath related how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written: "After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which hath fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the gentiles, who have been called by my name, saith the Lord, who doeth these things, which were known from the beginning." Wherefore my judgment is, that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we should write to them by letter to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from that which hath been strangled, and from blood. For Moses from the times of old hath had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. And they wrote by them, "The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from the gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting. Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things: to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell." They therefore being sent away came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words and confirmed them. And when they had remained some time, they were dismissed with peace from the brethren to those who sent them. (...) But Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and publishing, with many others also, the glad tidings of the word of the Lord.

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

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Verse Concepts

And as they journeyed through the cities, they delivered to them for their observance the decrees which had been ordained by the apostles and elders that were at Jerusalem. The churches therefore were established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

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

Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the church of the Lord, which he purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And from among yourselves will men arise speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. read more.
Therefore be watchful, and remember that for the space of three years, night and day, I ceased not to warn every one with tears. And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified.

And the day following Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present. Verse Concepts

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor; especially they who labor in the word and in teaching. For the Scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he is treading out the grain"; and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Against an elder receive not an accusation without two or three witnesses.

For this cause I left thee behind in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed thee; if any one is without reproach, the husband of one wife, having believing children, that are not accused of dissoluteness, or unruly. For a bishop must be without reproach, as Gods steward; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, not a striker, not greedy of base gain, read more.
but hospitable, a lover of what is good, discreet, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the sure word according to what he was taught, that he may be able by sound teaching both to exhort, and to refute the gainsayers.

And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; read more.
and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they.

So, disagreeing with one another, they took their departure, after Paul had spoken one word: Well did the Holy Spirit speak through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, saying, "Go to 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 hath become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn from their ways, and I should heal them." read more.
Be it therefore known to you, that to the gentiles this salvation of God hath been sent; they, moreover, will hear.

What then shall we say? That the gentiles, who did not strive after righteousness, obtained righteousness, but a righteousness which is of faith; while Israel, which strove after a law of righteousness, did not attain to a law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not strive for it by faith, but as being by works. For they stumbled against the stone of stumbling; read more.
as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and rock of offence; and he that believeth in him shall not be put to shame."

I say then, Hath God cast off his people? Far be it I For I myself am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast off his people, which he foreknew. Do ye not know what the Scripture saith in the passage concerning Elijah? how he pleadeth to God against Israel: "Lord, they have killed thy prophets, they have dug down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they are seeking my life." read more.
But what saith the answer of God to him? "I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal." In the same way then at this present time also there is a remnant, according to the election of grace. And if it is by grace, it is no longer on account of works; otherwise grace ceaseth to be grace; but if it is of works, there is then no grace; otherwise work ceaseth to be work. How is it then? What Israel seeketh after, that Israel did not obtain; but the elect obtained it, and the rest were hardened; as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of slumber, eyes that were not to see, and ears that were not to hear, unto this day." And David saith, "Let their table become a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompense to them; let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see; and bow down their back alway." I say then, Did they stumble in order to fall? God forbid! But by their offence salvation is come to the gentiles to excite them to emulation. But if their offence is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the gentiles, how much more will their fullness be? For I am speaking to you gentiles; inasmuch as I am the apostle of the gentiles, I magnify my office, that I may, if possible, excite to emulation those who are my flesh, and may save some of them. For if the rejection of them is the reconciliation of the world, what will the reception of them be, but life from the dead? And if the first portion of the dough is holy, so also will be the lump; and if the root is holy, so will be the branches. And if some of the branches have been broken off, and thou, a wild olive, hast been grafted in among them, and become a partaker with them of the root and fatness of the olivetree, boast not over the branches; for if thou boast, 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. Be it so. It was for their unbelief that they were broken off, and thou standest through thy faith; be not highminded, but fear. For if God spared the natural branches, take care lest he spare not thee. Behold then the goodness and the severity of God; toward those who fell, severity; but toward thee Gods goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also wilt be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou hast been cut off from an olivetree wild by nature, and hast against thy nature been ingrafted into a good olivetree, how much more shall these, the natural branches, be ingrafted into their own olivestock? For I would not have you ignorant, brethren, of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits, that blindness hath to some extent come upon Israel, until the fullness of the gentiles shall have come in. And thus will all Israel be saved; as it is written, "There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer; he shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. And this will be my covenant with them, when I shall have taken away their sins." In regard to the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes; but in regard to Gods choice, they are beloved for the fathers sake. For in respect to his gifts and his calling, there is no change of purpose with God. For as ye in times past were disobedient to God, but have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient, that they also may obtain mercy through the mercy shown to you. For God delivered up all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness." Know then that they who have faith, these are the sons of Abraham. Moreover the Scripture, foreseeing that God was to accept the gentiles as righteous by faith, proclaimed beforehand the glad tidings to Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
So then they who have faith are blessed with believing Abraham. For as many as rely on the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law, to do them." But further, that through the observance of the Law no one is accepted as righteous with God is evident; for "the righteous shall live by faith." And the Law hath nothing to do with faith; but [its language is], "He that hath done them shall live in them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that is hanged on a beam of wood," to the end that in Christ Jesus the blessing promised to Abraham might come to the gentiles, that we through faith might receive the Spirit which was promised.

Ye are entirely separated from Christ, who seek to obtain righteousness through the Law; ye have fallen away from grace. Verse Concepts

And there came down certain men from Judaea, and taught the brethren, Unless ye are circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. But when Paul and Barnabas had had no small dissension and debate with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they related what great things God had wrought with them. But there rose up certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they. And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they related what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the gentiles by them. And after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken to me. Simeon hath related how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written: "After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which hath fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the gentiles, who have been called by my name, saith the Lord, who doeth these things, which were known from the beginning." Wherefore my judgment is, that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we should write to them by letter to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from that which hath been strangled, and from blood. For Moses from the times of old hath had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. And they wrote by them, "The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from the gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting. Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things: to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell."

We conclude therefore, that a man is accepted as righteous through faith, without the works of the Law. Verse Concepts

And if it is by grace, it is no longer on account of works; otherwise grace ceaseth to be grace; but if it is of works, there is then no grace; otherwise work ceaseth to be work. How is it then? Verse Concepts

But when I saw that they were not walking uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of gentiles, and not that of the Jews, how is it that thou compellest the gentiles to keep the customs of the Jews? We are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the gentiles; but knowing that a man is not accepted as righteous by the works of the Law, but by faith in Christ Jesus, we also have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be accepted as righteous by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be accepted as righteous. read more.
But while seeking to be accepted as righteous in Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Far be it! For if I again build up what I pulled down, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the Law died to the Law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and no longer do I live, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness come through the Law, then did Christ die for nought.

Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by 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 the brethren throughout Judaea heard that the gentiles also had received the word of God. And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, Thou didst go in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. read more.
But Peter rehearsed the matter to them in order from the beginning, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, a sort of vessel descending, as it were a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners, and it came even to me; on which fixing my eyes, I observed, and saw the fourfooted beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the birds of the air. And I also heard a voice saying to me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord; for nothing common or unclean ever entered my mouth. But a voice answered the second time out of heaven, That which God hath cleansed, call not thou common. And this was done three times; and all were again drawn up into heaven. And lo! immediately there stood three men at the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. And the Spirit bade me go with them. And these six brethren also came with me, and we entered the mans house. And he told us how he had seen the angel in his house, standing and saying to him, Send to Joppa, and call for Simon, surnamed Peter; who will speak to thee words by which thou shalt be saved, and all thy house. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, that he said, John indeed baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Since then God gave the like gift to them as to us, on believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God? And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, So then to the gentiles also God hath granted repentance unto life.

And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. read more.
Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they.