Thematic Bible




Thematic Bible



Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,

And certain men, who came down from Judea, taught the brothers, Unless ye will be circumcised in the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Therefore, no small dissension and debate having developed with Paul and Barnabus against them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some other men from them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about thi Indeed therefore, having been helped for the trip by the congregation, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy to all the brothers. read more.
And after arriving in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders. And they reported as many things as God did with them. But some of the men who believed from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And when much debate occurred, Peter having risen up, he said to them, Men, brothers, ye know that from past days among us, God chose the Gentiles to hear through my mouth the word of the good-news, and to believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, just as also to us. And he made not one distinction between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye challenge God, to place a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe to be saved, in the same way as those men also. And all the multitude kept silent, and they heard Barnabas and Paul describing how many signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through them. And after they were quiet, James answered, saying, Men, brothers, hear me. Simeon described how God first came to help, to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen. And I will rebuild the things of it that have been demolished, and I will restore it, so that the rest of men might seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called upon them, says the Lord, who does these things. Known to God from the age are all his works. Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but to write to them, to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses from generations past, has from city to city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong. Indeed therefore after being dismissed, they came to Antioch, and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. And after reading it, they rejoiced for the encouragement. And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brothers by much speech, and strengthened them. And after spending some time, they were dismissed with peace from the brothers to the apostles. [This verse is not in the majority of the Greek manuscripts.] But Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching good-news, the word of the Lord, with many others also.


And certain men, who came down from Judea, taught the brothers, Unless ye will be circumcised in the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Therefore, no small dissension and debate having developed with Paul and Barnabus against them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some other men from them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about thi Indeed therefore, having been helped for the trip by the congregation, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy to all the brothers. read more.
And after arriving in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders. And they reported as many things as God did with them. But some of the men who believed from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And when much debate occurred, Peter having risen up, he said to them, Men, brothers, ye know that from past days among us, God chose the Gentiles to hear through my mouth the word of the good-news, and to believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, just as also to us. And he made not one distinction between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye challenge God, to place a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command,

But not even Titus with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. But that issue was because of those FALSE brothers smuggled in, who sneaked in to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us, to whom we yielded in subjection not even for an hour, so that the truth of the good-news might continue with you.


For as many as were immersed into Christ have put on Christ. There is no Jew nor Greek, there is no bondman nor freeman, there is no male and female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

And having answered, John said, Master, we saw a certain man casting out demons in thy name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us. But Jesus said to him, Do not forbid, for he who is not against us is for us.

And John answered him, saying, Teacher, we saw a certain man, who does not follow us, casting out demons in thy name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not, for there is no man who will do a mighty work in my name, and will be able quickly to speak evil of me. For he who is not against you is for you. read more.
For whoever may give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye are of Christ, truly I say to you, he will, no, not lose his reward.

If then God gave to them the identical gift as also to us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, but what power was I to hinder God? And when they heard these things, they relaxed and glorified God, saying, Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.

And certain men, who came down from Judea, taught the brothers, Unless ye will be circumcised in the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Therefore, no small dissension and debate having developed with Paul and Barnabus against them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some other men from them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about thi Indeed therefore, having been helped for the trip by the congregation, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy to all the brothers. read more.
And after arriving in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders. And they reported as many things as God did with them. But some of the men who believed from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And when much debate occurred, Peter having risen up, he said to them, Men, brothers, ye know that from past days among us, God chose the Gentiles to hear through my mouth the word of the good-news, and to believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, just as also to us. And he made not one distinction between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye challenge God, to place a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe to be saved, in the same way as those men also. And all the multitude kept silent, and they heard Barnabas and Paul describing how many signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through them. And after they were quiet, James answered, saying, Men, brothers, hear me. Simeon described how God first came to help, to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen. And I will rebuild the things of it that have been demolished, and I will restore it, so that the rest of men might seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called upon them, says the Lord, who does these things. Known to God from the age are all his works. Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but to write to them, to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses from generations past, has from city to city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong. Indeed therefore after being dismissed, they came to Antioch, and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. And after reading it, they rejoiced for the encouragement.

Paul, a bondman of Jesus Christ, a called apostle separated for the good-news of God (which he fore-promised through his prophets in the holy scriptures) concerning his Son who was made from the seed of David according to flesh. read more.
He who was designated Son of God in power, according to a spirit of holiness, from a resurrection of the dead--Jesus Christ our Lord-- through whom we received grace and apostleship for obedience of faith among all the nations on behalf of his name, among which ye also are the called of Jesus Christ. To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, to the called, to the sanctified: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So the willingness is in me to preach the good-news also to you in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the good-news of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to every man who believes, both to the Jew first, and to the Greek.

Because from works of law no flesh will be made right before him, for through law is knowledge of sin. But now a righteousness of God has been manifested independent of law, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. And the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ is for all and upon all those who believe, for there is no distinction. read more.
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being made righteous freely by his grace, through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth an expiatory sacrifice through faith in his blood, for proof of his justice, because of the passing over of the sins that have formerly occurred (in the forbearance of God), for proof of his justice at the present time, for him to be righteous, and who makes the man from Jesus' faith righteous. Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what law, of works? No, but by a law of faith. We therefore consider a man to be made righteous by faith independent of works of law. Or is God of Jews only and not also of Gentiles? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one, who will make the man of circumcision righteous from faith, and the man of uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make law void through faith? May it not happen! Instead, we establish law.

Therefore having been made righteous from faith, we have peace toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith for this grace in which we stand, and we take pride in hope of the glory of God.

For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the dividing wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the enmity--the law of the commandments in ordinances--so that he might create in himself the two into one new man, making peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having slain the enmity by it. read more.
And after coming he preached good-news, peace to you, to those far off and to those near,

where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman, but the all and in all, Christ. Put on therefore, as chosen men of God, holy and beloved, bowels of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, longsuffering, forbearing each other, and forgiving yourselves, if any man has a complaint against any, just as also the Christ forgave you, so also ye, read more.
and above all these things, love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God umpire in your hearts, for which also ye were called in one body, and become thankful.


having abolished in his flesh the enmity--the law of the commandments in ordinances--so that he might create in himself the two into one new man, making peace,


As many as desire to make a good impression in flesh, these compel you to be circumcised, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of the Christ.

But some of the men who believed from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And when much debate occurred, Peter having risen up, he said to them, Men, brothers, ye know that from past days among us, God chose the Gentiles to hear through my mouth the word of the good-news, and to believe. read more.
And God, who knows the heart, testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, just as also to us. And he made not one distinction between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye challenge God, to place a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe to be saved, in the same way as those men also. And all the multitude kept silent, and they heard Barnabas and Paul describing how many signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through them. And after they were quiet, James answered, saying, Men, brothers, hear me. Simeon described how God first came to help, to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen. And I will rebuild the things of it that have been demolished, and I will restore it, so that the rest of men might seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called upon them, says the Lord, who does these things. Known to God from the age are all his works. Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but to write to them, to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses from generations past, has from city to city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong.

since God is one, who will make the man of circumcision righteous from faith, and the man of uncircumcision through faith.

Is this blessedness therefore upon men of circumcision, or also upon men of uncircumcision? For we say, Faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of his faith during uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those who believe during uncircumcision (for righteousness to also be imputed to them),

Was any man called circumcised? He should not become uncircumcised. Was any man called in uncircumcision? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, instead, the keeping of God's commandments.

But not even Titus with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. But that issue was because of those FALSE brothers smuggled in, who sneaked in to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us,

Behold, I Paul say to you, that if ye are circumcised, Christ will benefit you nothing. And I solemnly declare again to every man who is circumcised, that he is obligated to do the whole law. Ye were discharged from the Christ, ye who are made righteous by law. Ye have fallen from grace. read more.
For we, in a Spirit of faith, wait for a hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love. Ye were running well. Who hindered you, not to obey the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence toward you in Lord, that ye will think no other thing. But the man who troubles you will bear the verdict, whoever he may be. But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling-block of the cross has been abolished.

Remember therefore that once ye, the Gentiles in flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision (in flesh, made by hands),


Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command,


As many as desire to make a good impression in flesh, these compel you to be circumcised, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of the Christ.


And certain men, who came down from Judea, taught the brothers, Unless ye will be circumcised in the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Therefore, no small dissension and debate having developed with Paul and Barnabus against them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some other men from them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about thi Indeed therefore, having been helped for the trip by the congregation, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy to all the brothers. read more.
And after arriving in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders. And they reported as many things as God did with them. But some of the men who believed from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And when much debate occurred, Peter having risen up, he said to them, Men, brothers, ye know that from past days among us, God chose the Gentiles to hear through my mouth the word of the good-news, and to believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, just as also to us. And he made not one distinction between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye challenge God, to place a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe to be saved, in the same way as those men also. And all the multitude kept silent, and they heard Barnabas and Paul describing how many signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through them. And after they were quiet, James answered, saying, Men, brothers, hear me. Simeon described how God first came to help, to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen. And I will rebuild the things of it that have been demolished, and I will restore it, so that the rest of men might seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called upon them, says the Lord, who does these things. Known to God from the age are all his works. Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but to write to them, to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses from generations past, has from city to city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong.


And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And when much debate occurred, Peter having risen up, he said to them, Men, brothers, ye know that from past days among us, God chose the Gentiles to hear through my mouth the word of the good-news, and to believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, just as also to us. read more.
And he made not one distinction between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye challenge God, to place a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe to be saved, in the same way as those men also. And all the multitude kept silent, and they heard Barnabas and Paul describing how many signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through them. And after they were quiet, James answered, saying, Men, brothers, hear me. Simeon described how God first came to help, to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen. And I will rebuild the things of it that have been demolished, and I will restore it, so that the rest of men might seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called upon them, says the Lord, who does these things. Known to God from the age are all his works. Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but to write to them, to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses from generations past, has from city to city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong.


And the disciples, as any man prospered, determined, each of them regarding aid, to send to the brothers who dwell in Judea, which also they did, having sent it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

And certain men, who came down from Judea, taught the brothers, Unless ye will be circumcised in the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Therefore, no small dissension and debate having developed with Paul and Barnabus against them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some other men from them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about thi Indeed therefore, having been helped for the trip by the congregation, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy to all the brothers. read more.
And after arriving in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders. And they reported as many things as God did with them. But some of the men who believed from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And when much debate occurred, Peter having risen up, he said to them, Men, brothers, ye know that from past days among us, God chose the Gentiles to hear through my mouth the word of the good-news, and to believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, just as also to us. And he made not one distinction between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye challenge God, to place a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe to be saved, in the same way as those men also. And all the multitude kept silent, and they heard Barnabas and Paul describing how many signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through them. And after they were quiet, James answered, saying, Men, brothers, hear me. Simeon described how God first came to help, to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen. And I will rebuild the things of it that have been demolished, and I will restore it, so that the rest of men might seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called upon them, says the Lord, who does these things. Known to God from the age are all his works. Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but to write to them, to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses from generations past, has from city to city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong. Indeed therefore after being dismissed, they came to Antioch, and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. And after reading it, they rejoiced for the encouragement. And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brothers by much speech, and strengthened them. And after spending some time, they were dismissed with peace from the brothers to the apostles. [This verse is not in the majority of the Greek manuscripts.] But Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching good-news, the word of the Lord, with many others also.



And as they were going through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. Indeed therefore the congregations were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

And from Miletus having sent to Ephesus, he summoned the elders of the congregation.

Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit placed you guardians, to tend the church of the Lord and God, which he purchased by his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And from you yourselves men will rise up, speaking distorted things, to draw away the disciples after them. read more.
Therefore watch ye, remembering that for three years, night and day, I did not cease warning each one with tears. And now brothers, I commit you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up, and to give you an inheritance among all those who have been sanctified.

And on the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.

Let the elders who rule well be regarded worthy of double compensation, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the scripture says thou shall not muzzle an ox that is threshing. And the workman is worthy of his wage. Accept no accusation against an elder, except at two or three witnesses.

I left thee behind in Crete on account of this: That thou should set in order the things lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded thee, if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having believing children, not with an accusation of debauchery or insubordinate. For the overseer must be blameless as a steward of God, not self-willed, not prone to angry, not a drunkard, not a fighter, not greedy of base gain, read more.
but a lover of strangers, a lover of good, serious minded, just, devout, self-controlled, holding firm the faithful word according to the teaching, so that he may also be able to exhort by the sound doctrine, and to correct those who contradict.

For by this the ancients were well reported.

Is any man weak among you? Let him summon the elders of the congregation, and let them pray near him, having anointed him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will rescue him who is depressed, and the Lord will rouse him. And if he should be a man who has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

I, a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of the Christ, and a partaker of the glory going be revealed, exhort the elders among you: Tend ye the flock of God among you, watching over, not by obligation, but willingly, nor greedily, but readily, nor as domineering over the lots, but becoming examples of the flock. read more.
And when the chief Shepherd is made known, ye will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise younger men should be subordinate to the elder men. And all being subordinate to each other, clothe yourselves with humility, because God sets himself against the haughty, but gives grace to the lowly.

The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who know the truth,

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.


after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, read more.
men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong.



Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command,

which is not another, except there are some who confuse you, and who want to pervert the good-news of the Christ.

For indeed if a man who comes, preaches another Jesus whom we did not preach, or ye receive another spirit that ye did not receive, or another good-news that ye did not accept, ye well tolerated it.

But that issue was because of those FALSE brothers smuggled in, who sneaked in to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us,

Beloved, making all diligence to write to you about the common salvation, I had need to write to you exhorting you to earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the sanctified. For certain men have sneaked in, those written about formerly for this condemnation, irreverent men, perverting the grace of our God into licentiousness, and denying our only Master God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Now I want to remind you, ye having known this once, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. read more.
And the heavenly agents who did not keep their own principality, but left their own habitation, he has kept reserved in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day. As Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, the same kind of way with these who indulged in fornication, and who went rear of queer flesh, are set forth an example, undergoing the punishment of eternal fire. Nevertheless in the same way also these men who dream, indeed defile flesh, and reject lordship, and speak evil of dignities. But Michael the arch-agent, when he disputed with the devil, contending about the body of Moses, dared not bring a railing judgment, but said, May Lord rebuke thee. But these men indeed revile whatever they have not seen. But whatever they understand naturally, as the irrational beasts, in these things they are corrupted. Woe to them! Because they went in the way of Cain, and rushed to the error of Balaam's reward, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are reefs in your love-feasts, feasting together, fearlessly tending to themselves, waterless clouds carried along by winds, autumn trees without fruit, who died twice having being uprooted, wild waves of the sea foaming out their own shame, wandering stars for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved into an age. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men, saying, Behold, Lord came with his holy myriads, to execute judgment against all, and to convict all the irreverent of them about all the works of their own irreverence that they have done irreverently, and about all the harsh things that irreverent sinners spoke against him. These are grumblers, fault-finders, going according to their lusts, and their mouth speaks overblown things, marveling personages for the sake of advantage.


Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command,

And certain men, who came down from Judea, taught the brothers, Unless ye will be circumcised in the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

As many as desire to make a good impression in flesh, these compel you to be circumcised, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of the Christ.

But that issue was because of those FALSE brothers smuggled in, who sneaked in to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us,


Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, read more.
it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong. Indeed therefore after being dismissed, they came to Antioch, and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. And after reading it, they rejoiced for the encouragement. And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brothers by much speech, and strengthened them.



And certain men, who came down from Judea, taught the brothers, Unless ye will be circumcised in the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Therefore, no small dissension and debate having developed with Paul and Barnabus against them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some other men from them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about thi Indeed therefore, having been helped for the trip by the congregation, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy to all the brothers. read more.
And after arriving in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders. And they reported as many things as God did with them. But some of the men who believed from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And when much debate occurred, Peter having risen up, he said to them, Men, brothers, ye know that from past days among us, God chose the Gentiles to hear through my mouth the word of the good-news, and to believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, just as also to us. And he made not one distinction between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye challenge God, to place a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe to be saved, in the same way as those men also. And all the multitude kept silent, and they heard Barnabas and Paul describing how many signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through them. And after they were quiet, James answered, saying, Men, brothers, hear me. Simeon described how God first came to help, to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen. And I will rebuild the things of it that have been demolished, and I will restore it, so that the rest of men might seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called upon them, says the Lord, who does these things. Known to God from the age are all his works. Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but to write to them, to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses from generations past, has from city to city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong.


And if it is by grace, it is no longer from works, otherwise grace becomes no longer grace. But if it is from works it is no longer grace, otherwise work is no longer work.

But when I saw that they did not walk uprightly toward the truth of the good-news, I said to Peter before all, If thou being a Jew, live as a Gentile and not as a Jew, why do thou compel the Gentiles to live as Jews? We are Jews by nature and not sinful men of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not made righteous from works of law, instead through faith of Jesus Christ. And we believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made righteous from faith of Christ, and not from works of law, because no fles read more.
But if, while seeking to be made righteous in Christ, we ourselves were also found sinful, then is Christ an aide of sin? May it not happen! For if I build again these things that I torn down, I demonstrate myself a transgressor. For I, through law, died to law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And what I now live in flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me. I do not disregard the grace of God, for if righteousness is through law, then Christ died in vain.


Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, read more.
it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong. Indeed therefore after being dismissed, they came to Antioch, and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. And after reading it, they rejoiced for the encouragement. And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brothers by much speech, and strengthened them. And after spending some time, they were dismissed with peace from the brothers to the apostles. [This verse is not in the majority of the Greek manuscripts.]


And certain men, who came down from Judea, taught the brothers, Unless ye will be circumcised in the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Therefore, no small dissension and debate having developed with Paul and Barnabus against them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some other men from them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about thi Indeed therefore, having been helped for the trip by the congregation, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy to all the brothers. read more.
And after arriving in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders. And they reported as many things as God did with them. But some of the men who believed from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And when much debate occurred, Peter having risen up, he said to them, Men, brothers, ye know that from past days among us, God chose the Gentiles to hear through my mouth the word of the good-news, and to believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, just as also to us. And he made not one distinction between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye challenge God, to place a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe to be saved, in the same way as those men also. And all the multitude kept silent, and they heard Barnabas and Paul describing how many signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through them. And after they were quiet, James answered, saying, Men, brothers, hear me. Simeon described how God first came to help, to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. And to this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen. And I will rebuild the things of it that have been demolished, and I will restore it, so that the rest of men might seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called upon them, says the Lord, who does these things. Known to God from the age are all his works. Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but to write to them, to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses from generations past, has from city to city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to send men chosen from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, after writing by their hand these things:The apostles, and the elders, and the brothers, to those down in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, to the brothers of the Gentiles, greeting. Since we have heard that certain men who went out from us have troubled you with words, disturbing your souls, saying to be circumcised, and to keep the law, to whom we did not command, it was decided by us, having become unanimous, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, themselves also declaring the same things by speech. For it was decided by the Holy Spirit, and by us, to lay upon you not one greater burden than these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, keeping yourselves from which, ye will do well. Be strong.