Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; Verse ConceptsVisitingChoosing PeoplePeople Sending PeopleThe Apostles In Action

And some, coming down from Judaea, were teaching the brethren, "Unless ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved." And, when Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and discussion with them, they arranged that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, concerning this question. They, therefore, having been sent forward by the assembly, went through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they were causing great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And, having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and apostles and elders; and they rehearsed as many things as God wrought with them. But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they." And all the multitude kept silence: and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God wrought among the gentiles through them. And, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me. Simeon declared 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 has been written, 'After these things I will return; and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and the ruins thereof will I build again; and I will set it up; that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, even all the gentiles upon whom My name has been called,' saith the Lord, Who maketh these things known from of old. Wherefore, I judge that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from anything strangled, and from blood; for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; having written through their hand thus: "The apostles, and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, having chosen men, to send to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their souls in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from idol-sacrifices, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." So they being dismissed came down to Antioch; and, having assembled the multitude, they delivered the letter. And, having read it, they rejoiced at the consolation. And Judas and Silas, themselves also being prophets, exhorted the brethren in many words, and confirmed them. And, having spent a time there, they were sent away with peace from the brethren to those who had sent them. OMITTED TEXT. But Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming, with many others also, the good tidings of the word of the Lord.

And some, coming down from Judaea, were teaching the brethren, "Unless ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved." And, when Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and discussion with them, they arranged that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, concerning this question. They, therefore, having been sent forward by the assembly, went through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they were causing great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And, having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and apostles and elders; and they rehearsed as many things as God wrought with them. But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear?

Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; Verse ConceptsHeresyMen's OrdersTroubling Groups Of People

But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised; and that was because of the false brethren secretly introduced, who, indeed, crept in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage; to whom not even for an hour did we yield in subjection, that the truth of the Gospel might continue with you.

for as many of you as were immersed into Christ, did put on Christ. There exists neither Jew nor Greek, there exists neither bond nor free, there exists neither male nor 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 follows not with us." And Jesus said to him, "Forbid him not: for he who is not against you is for you."

John said to Him, "Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Forbid him not; for there is no one who shall exercise power in My name, and be able quickly to speak evil of Me; for he who is not against us is for us. read more.
For whosoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because ye are Christ's, verily I say to you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

If, therefore, God gave them the like gift, as to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?" And, having heard these things, they were silent, and glorified God, saying, "Then, to the gentiles also God gave repentance unto life."

And some, coming down from Judaea, were teaching the brethren, "Unless ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved." And, when Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and discussion with them, they arranged that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, concerning this question. They, therefore, having been sent forward by the assembly, went through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they were causing great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And, having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and apostles and elders; and they rehearsed as many things as God wrought with them. But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they." And all the multitude kept silence: and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God wrought among the gentiles through them. And, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me. Simeon declared 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 has been written, 'After these things I will return; and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and the ruins thereof will I build again; and I will set it up; that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, even all the gentiles upon whom My name has been called,' saith the Lord, Who maketh these things known from of old. Wherefore, I judge that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from anything strangled, and from blood; for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; having written through their hand thus: "The apostles, and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, having chosen men, to send to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their souls in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from idol-sacrifices, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." So they being dismissed came down to Antioch; and, having assembled the multitude, they delivered the letter. And, having read it, they rejoiced at the consolation.

Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God, which He promised before through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, Who was born of the seed of David, according to His flesh, read more.
Who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead??ven Jesus Christ our Lord, through Whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations for His name's sake; among whom also are ye the called of Jesus Christ: to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called saints: Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish; so, as much as in me is, I am ready to proclaim the Gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek

because, by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the law is the knowledge of sin. But now, apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even a righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe; for there is no distinction; read more.
for all sinned, and are coming short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; Whom God set forth as a propitiation, through faith in His blood, for the manifestation of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the formerly-committed sins in the forbearance of God: for the manifestation of His righteousness in the present time, to the end that He may be righteous, even when declaring righteous him who has faith in Jesus. Where, then, is the boasting? It was excluded. By what manner of law? Of works? Nay; but by a law of faith. For we reckon that a man is justified by faith, apart from works of law. Or is He the God of Jews only? Is He not of gentiles also! Yes, of gentiles also; if, indeed, God is One Who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. Do we, then, make void the law through faith? It could not be! Yea, we establish the law.

Having been justified, therefore, by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have had access by faith into this grace in which we have been standing; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

For He is our peace, Who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of the partition, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments expressed in decrees, that He might make the two one new man in Himself, making peace, and might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; read more.
and, coming, He proclaimed the Gospel of peace to you who were afar off, and peace to those who were near;

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where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on, therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; (bearing with one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any one have a complaint against any; even as the Lord freely forgave you, so also do ye): read more.
and over all these put on love, which is the uniting-bond of perfectness. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, unto which also ye were called in one body; and become thankful.

Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each one, as God hath called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the assemblies. Verse ConceptsOrderliness In Personal DevotionWork, As Ordained By GodChurch OrderAssignmentThe churchChurch Of GodLife PurposeServing The Church

If any one is hungry, let him eat at home, that ye come not together unto judgment. And the rest I will set in order, when I come. Verse ConceptsPhysical HungerDiscipline Of The ChurchChurch OrderComing TogetherGoing To ChurchFeeding The Poorcommunionhungerorder

And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. Verse ConceptsChurch GatheringsThe Apostles In ActionResolving Conflictelders




Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each one, as God hath called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the assemblies. Verse ConceptsOrderliness In Personal DevotionWork, As Ordained By GodChurch OrderAssignmentThe churchChurch Of GodLife PurposeServing The Church

If any one is hungry, let him eat at home, that ye come not together unto judgment. And the rest I will set in order, when I come. Verse ConceptsPhysical HungerDiscipline Of The ChurchChurch OrderComing TogetherGoing To ChurchFeeding The Poorcommunionhungerorder

And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. Verse ConceptsChurch GatheringsThe Apostles In ActionResolving Conflictelders




having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments expressed in decrees, that He might make the two one new man in Himself, making peace, Verse ConceptsNew ThingsLaws, AbolishedLaw, And GospelRitual LawRitualSalvation, Nature OfLaw, TemporaryAbolish, Evil ThingsAnnulmentTwo GroupsNew LifeChurch Distinct From IsraelMaking Peace With God


As many as wish to make a fair show in the flesh, these constrain you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessOutward AppearanceLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of CircumcisionOutward CompulsionSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionPersecutionThe Crosstrying

But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. read more.
And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they." And all the multitude kept silence: and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God wrought among the gentiles through them. And, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me. Simeon declared 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 has been written, 'After these things I will return; and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and the ruins thereof will I build again; and I will set it up; that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, even all the gentiles upon whom My name has been called,' saith the Lord, Who maketh these things known from of old. Wherefore, I judge that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from anything strangled, and from blood; for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; having written through their hand thus: "The apostles, and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, having chosen men, to send to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their souls in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from idol-sacrifices, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."

if, indeed, God is One Who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualMonotheismJustification Under The GospelGod Is OneNecessity Of CircumcisionRighteous By FaithThe Gospel To Jew And Gentile

Does this happiness, therefore, come upon the circumcision, or upon the uncircumcision also? 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, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while in uncircumcision; that he might be father of all who believe while in uncircumcision, that the righteousness might be reckoned to them;

Was any one called, having been circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Has any one been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.

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

Behold, I, Paul, say to you, that, if ye be circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Ye were separated from Christ, whoever of you are being justified by law; ye fell out of grace; read more.
for we, in the Spirit, wait, by faith, for the 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, that ye should not obey the truth, The persuasion is not from Him Who calleth you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence toward you in the Lord, that ye will regard nothing else; but he who is troubling you shall bear his sentence, whosoever he may be. But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then the stumbling-block of the cross has been done away!

Wherefore, remember that ye, the gentiles in flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision in flesh made by hand, Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalBodyLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of Circumcision

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in Whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hand, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency

And some, coming down from Judaea, were teaching the brethren, "Unless ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved." And, when Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and discussion with them, they arranged that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, concerning this question. They, therefore, having been sent forward by the assembly, went through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they were causing great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And, having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and apostles and elders; and they rehearsed as many things as God wrought with them. But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they." And all the multitude kept silence: and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God wrought among the gentiles through them. And, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me. Simeon declared 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 has been written, 'After these things I will return; and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and the ruins thereof will I build again; and I will set it up; that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, even all the gentiles upon whom My name has been called,' saith the Lord, Who maketh these things known from of old. Wherefore, I judge that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from anything strangled, and from blood; for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; having written through their hand thus: "The apostles, and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, having chosen men, to send to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their souls in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from idol-sacrifices, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."

And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: read more.
and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they." And all the multitude kept silence: and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God wrought among the gentiles through them. And, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me. Simeon declared 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 has been written, 'After these things I will return; and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and the ruins thereof will I build again; and I will set it up; that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, even all the gentiles upon whom My name has been called,' saith the Lord, Who maketh these things known from of old. Wherefore, I judge that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from anything strangled, and from blood; for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; having written through their hand thus: "The apostles, and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, having chosen men, to send to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their souls in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from idol-sacrifices, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."

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

And some, coming down from Judaea, were teaching the brethren, "Unless ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved." And, when Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and discussion with them, they arranged that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, concerning this question. They, therefore, having been sent forward by the assembly, went through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they were causing great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And, having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and apostles and elders; and they rehearsed as many things as God wrought with them. But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they." And all the multitude kept silence: and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God wrought among the gentiles through them. And, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me. Simeon declared 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 has been written, 'After these things I will return; and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and the ruins thereof will I build again; and I will set it up; that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, even all the gentiles upon whom My name has been called,' saith the Lord, Who maketh these things known from of old. Wherefore, I judge that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from anything strangled, and from blood; for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; having written through their hand thus: "The apostles, and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, having chosen men, to send to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their souls in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from idol-sacrifices, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." So they being dismissed came down to Antioch; and, having assembled the multitude, they delivered the letter. And, having read it, they rejoiced at the consolation. And Judas and Silas, themselves also being prophets, exhorted the brethren in many words, and confirmed them. And, having spent a time there, they were sent away with peace from the brethren to those who had sent them. OMITTED TEXT. But Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming, with many others also, the good tidings of the word of the Lord.



And, as they were journeying through the cities, they were delivering to them the decrees to keep, that had been ordained by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the assemblies were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.

And, having sent from Miletus to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the assembly. Verse ConceptsAttending Churchelders, in the churchOfficersChurch GovernmentChurch, Examples Ofeldersgoodbyes

Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit appointed you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God, which He purchased with His own blood. I know 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.
Wherefore, watch, remembering that for three years, night and day, I ceased not to admonish every one with tears. "And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all the sanctified.

And, on the following day, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present. Verse Conceptselders, in the churchGoing To ChurchThe Elderlyelders

Let elders who preside well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Against an elder receive not an accusation, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

For this cause I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you; if anyone is blameless, a husband of one wife, having believing children not in accusation of rioting, or unruly. For the bishop must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, not a striker, not greedy of base gain; read more.
but hospitable, a lover of good, sober-minded, righteous, pious, temperate; holding fast the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the healthful doctrine, and to convict those who contradict.

Show 5 more verses
for in this the elders were well reported of. Verse ConceptsApprovalPeople Commended By God

Is anyone among you sick? let him call for the elders of the assembly; and let them pray over him, having anointed him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and, if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him.

The elders, therefore, I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of Christ's sufferings, also a partaker of the glory about to be revealed; feed the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it, not by constraint, but willingly; nor yet for base gain, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the allotted charges, but becoming examples to the flock; read more.
and, when the Chief Shepherd is manifested, ye will obtain the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, ye younger, be subject to the elder; yea, all of you gird on the lowly mind to serve one another; because "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the lowly."

The elder to an elect lady and her children whom I love in truth??nd not I only, but also all who know the truth??2 for the truth's sake which abides in us, and will be with us forever: Verse ConceptsElection, Description OfLove Exists Between PeopleKnowing God's TruthLove And RelationshipsLove And FamilyLoving Children

The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. Verse ConceptsAffection, GoodThose Who Loved

for as many of you as were immersed into Christ, did put on Christ. There exists neither Jew nor Greek, there exists neither bond nor free, there exists neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And, if ye are Christ's, ye are, consequently, Abraham's seed, and heirs according to promise.

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the Same One is Lord of all, being rich toward all who call upon Him; for, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

But now, apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even a righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe; for there is no distinction;

And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: read more.
and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith.

For, as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is the Christ; for, indeed, in one Spirit were we all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.

But now do ye also put away all these; anger, wrath, malice, reviling, shameful talk out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, having put off the old man with his practices, and having put on the new man who is being renewed unto full knowledge, according to the image of Him Who created him; read more.
where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: read more.
and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they."

And, disagreeing among themselves, they were departing, when Paul uttered one declaration, "Well did the Holy Spirit speak through Isaiah, the prophet, to your fathers, saying, 'Go your way to this people, and say, With hearing ye shall hear, but in no wise understand; and, looking, ye shall look, and in no wise see; for the heart of this people was made gross; and with their ears they heard heavily; and their eyes they closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should turn, and I should heal them.' read more.
Be it known, therefore, to you, that to the gentiles was this salvation of God sent: they also will hear."

What, then, shall we say? that gentiles who were not following after righteous obtained righteousness, but a righteousness which is of faith; but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, did not attain to such a law. Wherefore? because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the Stone of stumbling; read more.
as it has been written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offense; and he that believes on Him shall not be put to shame."

I say, then, did God cast off His people? It could not be! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God did not cast off His people whom He foreknew. Or know ye not what the Scripture says of Elijah? how he pleads with God against Israel: "Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, they have digged down Thy altars; and I am left alone, and they are seeking my soul." read more.
But what says the answer of God to him? "I left for Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal." Even so, then, at this present time also, a remnant, according to an election of grace, has been reserved. But, if by grace, it is no longer of works; otherwise the grace becomes no longer grace. [But, if of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise, the work is no longer work.] What, then? What Israel is seeking for, this he did not obtain; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened; as it has been written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this day." And David says, "Let their table be a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling-block, and a recompense to them: let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always." I Say, then, did they stumble, that they might fall? It could not be! But by their trespass salvation has come to the gentiles to provoke them to rivalry. Now, if their trespass is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the gentiles, how much more their fulness? But I am speaking to you gentiles. Inasmuch, indeed, then, as I am an apostle of the gentiles, I glorify my ministry; if by any means I may excite to rivalry my flesh, and save some of them. For, if the casting away of them is the reconciling of the world, what will the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? And, if the first-fruit is holy, so also is the lump; and, if the root is holy, so also are the branches. And, if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and became a joint-partaker of the root and of the fatness of the Olive tree; boast not against the branches. But, if you boast, it is not you that bear the root; but the root, you. You will say, then, "The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in." Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, but you have been standing by faith. Do not cherish lofty thoughts; but fear. For, if God spared not the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Behold, then, God's kindness and severity; toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise, you also shall be cut off. And they also, if they continue not in unbelief, shall be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. For, if you were cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a good olive tree; how much more shall these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I do not wish you, brethren, to be ignorant of this mystery (lest ye be wise in your own conceits), that a hardening, in part, has befallen Israel, until the fulness of the gentiles come in; and so all Israel shall be saved; even as it has been written, "There will come out of Zion the Deliverer; He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and this is the covenant from Me to them, when I shall take away their sins." As touching the Gospel, they are enemies for your sake; but as touching the election, they are beloved for the Father's sake; for the gifts and calling of God are not repented of. For as ye in times past disobeyed God, but just now obtained mercy by their disobedience; even so did these now disobey, that by the mercy shown to you they also may obtain mercy. For God shut up all unto disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness. Know, then, that those who are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the gentiles through faith, proclaimed beforehand the Gospel to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." read more.
So that those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. For as many as are of works of law are under a curse; for it has been written, "Cursed is every one who continues not in all the things written in the book of the law, to do them." Now that by law no one is justified with God, is evident; because "The righteous one shall live by faith." Now the law is not of faith; but "He who did them shall live in them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; because it has been written, "Cursed is every one who is hung upon a tree"; that to the gentiles the blessing of Abraham might come in Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

If any one is hungry, let him eat at home, that ye come not together unto judgment. And the rest I will set in order, when I come. Verse ConceptsPhysical HungerDiscipline Of The ChurchChurch OrderComing TogetherGoing To ChurchFeeding The Poorcommunionhungerorder

And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. Verse ConceptsChurch GatheringsThe Apostles In ActionResolving Conflictelders






Now, on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood, and cried, saying, "If anyone thirst, let him come to Me and drink. He that believes on Me, as the Scripture said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water." But this He spake concerning the Spirit, Whom those who believed on Him were about to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew, having suspended Him on a tree: This One God exalted as a Prince and Savior, with His right hand, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; also the Holy Spirit, Whom God gave to those who obey Him."

And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you: for every one who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks it shall be opened. And of which of you that is a father shall his son ask bread, and he give him a stone? or a fish, and he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? read more.
or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us:

for as many of you as were immersed into Christ, did put on Christ. There exists neither Jew nor Greek, there exists neither bond nor free, there exists neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And, if ye are Christ's, ye are, consequently, Abraham's seed, and heirs according to promise.

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the Same One is Lord of all, being rich toward all who call upon Him; for, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

But now, apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even a righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe; for there is no distinction;

And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: read more.
and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith.

For, as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is the Christ; for, indeed, in one Spirit were we all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.

But now do ye also put away all these; anger, wrath, malice, reviling, shameful talk out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, having put off the old man with his practices, and having put on the new man who is being renewed unto full knowledge, according to the image of Him Who created him; read more.
where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. Verse ConceptsChurch GatheringsThe Apostles In ActionResolving Conflictelders

And, having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and apostles and elders; and they rehearsed as many things as God wrought with them. Verse Conceptselders, in the churchWelcoming BelieversTelling Of GodThe Apostles In Action


And some, coming down from Judaea, were teaching the brethren, "Unless ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved." And, when Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and discussion with them, they arranged that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, concerning this question. They, therefore, having been sent forward by the assembly, went through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they were causing great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And, having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and apostles and elders; and they rehearsed as many things as God wrought with them. But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they." And all the multitude kept silence: and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God wrought among the gentiles through them. And, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me. Simeon declared 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 has been written, 'After these things I will return; and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and the ruins thereof will I build again; and I will set it up; that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, even all the gentiles upon whom My name has been called,' saith the Lord, Who maketh these things known from of old. Wherefore, I judge that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from anything strangled, and from blood; for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; having written through their hand thus: "The apostles, and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, having chosen men, to send to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their souls in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from idol-sacrifices, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."


But, if by grace, it is no longer of works; otherwise the grace becomes no longer grace. [But, if of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise, the work is no longer work.] Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt

But, when I saw that they were not walking uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in presence of them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as do the gentiles, and not as the Jews, how do you compel the gentiles to live as do the Jews?" We who are by nature Jews, and not sinners from among the gentiles, yet knowing that a man is not justified by works of law, but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of law; because by works of law no flesh shall be justified. read more.
But, if while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is, then, Christ a minister of sin? It could not be! For, if I am building up again, what I pulled down, I show myself to be a transgressor. For I through law died to law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and no longer am I living, but Christ is living in me; and, in so far as I am now living in flesh, I live in the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for, if righteousness is through law, then Christ died needlessly!

And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: read more.
and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they."

And, disagreeing among themselves, they were departing, when Paul uttered one declaration, "Well did the Holy Spirit speak through Isaiah, the prophet, to your fathers, saying, 'Go your way to this people, and say, With hearing ye shall hear, but in no wise understand; and, looking, ye shall look, and in no wise see; for the heart of this people was made gross; and with their ears they heard heavily; and their eyes they closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should turn, and I should heal them.' read more.
Be it known, therefore, to you, that to the gentiles was this salvation of God sent: they also will hear."

What, then, shall we say? that gentiles who were not following after righteous obtained righteousness, but a righteousness which is of faith; but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, did not attain to such a law. Wherefore? because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the Stone of stumbling; read more.
as it has been written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offense; and he that believes on Him shall not be put to shame."

I say, then, did God cast off His people? It could not be! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God did not cast off His people whom He foreknew. Or know ye not what the Scripture says of Elijah? how he pleads with God against Israel: "Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, they have digged down Thy altars; and I am left alone, and they are seeking my soul." read more.
But what says the answer of God to him? "I left for Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal." Even so, then, at this present time also, a remnant, according to an election of grace, has been reserved. But, if by grace, it is no longer of works; otherwise the grace becomes no longer grace. [But, if of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise, the work is no longer work.] What, then? What Israel is seeking for, this he did not obtain; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened; as it has been written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this day." And David says, "Let their table be a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling-block, and a recompense to them: let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always." I Say, then, did they stumble, that they might fall? It could not be! But by their trespass salvation has come to the gentiles to provoke them to rivalry. Now, if their trespass is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the gentiles, how much more their fulness? But I am speaking to you gentiles. Inasmuch, indeed, then, as I am an apostle of the gentiles, I glorify my ministry; if by any means I may excite to rivalry my flesh, and save some of them. For, if the casting away of them is the reconciling of the world, what will the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? And, if the first-fruit is holy, so also is the lump; and, if the root is holy, so also are the branches. And, if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and became a joint-partaker of the root and of the fatness of the Olive tree; boast not against the branches. But, if you boast, it is not you that bear the root; but the root, you. You will say, then, "The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in." Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, but you have been standing by faith. Do not cherish lofty thoughts; but fear. For, if God spared not the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Behold, then, God's kindness and severity; toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise, you also shall be cut off. And they also, if they continue not in unbelief, shall be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. For, if you were cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a good olive tree; how much more shall these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I do not wish you, brethren, to be ignorant of this mystery (lest ye be wise in your own conceits), that a hardening, in part, has befallen Israel, until the fulness of the gentiles come in; and so all Israel shall be saved; even as it has been written, "There will come out of Zion the Deliverer; He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and this is the covenant from Me to them, when I shall take away their sins." As touching the Gospel, they are enemies for your sake; but as touching the election, they are beloved for the Father's sake; for the gifts and calling of God are not repented of. For as ye in times past disobeyed God, but just now obtained mercy by their disobedience; even so did these now disobey, that by the mercy shown to you they also may obtain mercy. For God shut up all unto disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness. Know, then, that those who are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the gentiles through faith, proclaimed beforehand the Gospel to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." read more.
So that those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. For as many as are of works of law are under a curse; for it has been written, "Cursed is every one who continues not in all the things written in the book of the law, to do them." Now that by law no one is justified with God, is evident; because "The righteous one shall live by faith." Now the law is not of faith; but "He who did them shall live in them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; because it has been written, "Cursed is every one who is hung upon a tree"; that to the gentiles the blessing of Abraham might come in Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

And some, coming down from Judaea, were teaching the brethren, "Unless ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved." And, when Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and discussion with them, they arranged that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, concerning this question. They, therefore, having been sent forward by the assembly, went through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they were causing great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And, having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and apostles and elders; and they rehearsed as many things as God wrought with them. But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they." And all the multitude kept silence: and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God wrought among the gentiles through them. And, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me. Simeon declared 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 has been written, 'After these things I will return; and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and the ruins thereof will I build again; and I will set it up; that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, even all the gentiles upon whom My name has been called,' saith the Lord, Who maketh these things known from of old. Wherefore, I judge that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from anything strangled, and from blood; for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; having written through their hand thus: "The apostles, and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, having chosen men, to send to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their souls in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from idol-sacrifices, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."