ULT ACTs chapter 15

15 And certain ones coming down from Judea were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised in the custom of Moses, you are not able to be saved.” 2 And no little dispute and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them having happened, they appointed Paul and Barnabas and certain others from among them to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this question. 3 Therefore indeed the ones having been sent out by the church were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles and producing great joy in all the brothers, 4 And having arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported how much God had done with them. 5 But certain ones from the sect of the Pharisees, having believed, stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and command them to keep the law of Moses.” 6 So the apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this word. 7 And much debate having happened, Peter, arising, said to them,

“Men, brothers, you know that from original days God chose among you: By my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, the heart-knower, testified to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just as also to us; 9 and he did not distinguish between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you testing God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe ourselves to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, according to the way they also.”

12 And the whole crowd kept silent and was listening to Barnabas and Paul describing how many signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. 13 And after they stopped speaking, James answered, saying,

“Men, brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has described how God first looked to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written,

19 Therefore, I judge not to trouble the ones from the Gentiles turning to God, 20 but to write to them to abstain from the pollution of idols and sexual immorality and the strangled and blood. 21 For Moses has by city, from ancient generations, ones proclaiming him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas chosen men from among them—Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers— 23 writing by their hand: “The apostles and the elders, brothers, to the brothers among the Gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Greetings! 24 Now we have heard that some, having gone out from us, have disturbed you with words, upsetting your souls, whom we did not commission; 25 it seemed good to us, having become unanimous, having chosen men, to send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men having handed over their souls for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, they also reporting the same thing by word. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us for no greater burden to be laid upon you than these necessary things: 29 to abstain from things sacrificed to idols and blood and the strangled and sexual immorality, from which keeping yourselves, you will do well. Farewell.”

30 So they, having been dismissed, indeed came down to Antioch, and gathering the crowd together, they delivered the letter. 31 And having read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement. 32 Both Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many a word and strengthened them. 33 And having stayed some time, they were sent away with peace from the brothers to the ones having sent them. 34 [fn] [But it seemed good to Silas for them to remain there, so only Judas traveled.] 35 But Paul and Barnabas were staying in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord, with many others also.

36 Then after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, “Returning, then, let us visit the brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, how they are.” 37 But Barnabas was wanting also to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul was thinking it wise not to take with them this one having withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and not having accompanied them in the work. 39 And a dispute happened, so as for them to be separated from each other and for Barnabas, taking Mark with him, to sail away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul, having chosen Silas, went out, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he was going through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Some older versions read, This is what the Lord says, to whom are known all his deeds from eternity.

Some ancient manuscripts include verse 34 (See: Acts 15:40).

ULT ACTs Chapter 15