1AND certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

1And certaine men which came downe from Iudea, taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saued.

2When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissention and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certeine other of them, should goe vp to Hierusalem vnto the Apostles and Elders about this question.

3And being brought on their way by the Church, they passed thorow Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conuersion of the Gentiles: and they caused great ioy vnto all the brethren.

4And when they were come to Hierusalem, they were receiued of the Church, and of the Apostles, and Elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

5But there rose vp certaine of the sect of the Pharisees which beleeued, saying, that it was needfull to circumcise them, and to cōmand them to keepe the Law of Moses.

6 And the Apostles & Elders came together for to consider of this matter.

7And when there had bene much disputing, Peter rose vp, and said vnto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while agoe, God made choise among vs, that the Gentiles by my mouth should heare the worde of the Gospel, and beleeue.

8And God which knoweth the hearts, bare them witnes, giuing them the holy Ghost, euen as he did vnto vs,

9And put no difference between vs & them, purifying their hearts by faith.

10Now therfore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke vpon the necke of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to beare?

11But we beleeue that through the grace of the Lord Iesus Christ, we shal be saued euen as they.

12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gaue audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

13 And after they had helde their peace, Iames answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken vnto me.

14Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visite the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his Name.

15And to this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written,

16After this I will returne, and wil build againe the Tabernacle of Dauid, which is fallen downe: and I will build againe the ruines thereof, and I will set it vp:

17That the residue of men might seeke after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, vpon whom my Name is called, sayth the Lord, who doeth all these things.

18Knowen vnto God are all his workes frō the beginning of the world.

19Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

20But that wee write vnto them, that they abstaine from pollutions of Idoles, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

21For Moses of olde time hath in euery citie them that preach him, being read in the Synagogues euery Sabbath day.

22Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church, to send chosen men of their owne company to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas: namely, Iudas surnamed Barsabas, & Silas, chiefe men among the brethren,

23And wrote letters by them after this maner, The Apostles and Elders, and brethren, send greeting vnto the brethren, which are of the Gentiles in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia.

24Forasmuch as we haue heard, that certaine which went out from vs, haue troubled you with words, subuerting your soules, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keepe the Law, to whom we gaue no such commandement:

25It seemed good vnto vs, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men vnto you, with our beloued Barnabas and Paul,

26Men that haue hazarded their liues for the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ.

27Wee haue sent therefore Iudas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

28For it seemed good to the holy Ghost, and to vs, to lay vpon you no greater burden then these necessarie things;

29That ye abstaine from meates offered to idoles, and from blood, & from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keepe your selues, yee shall doe well. Fare ye well.

30So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they deliuered the Epistle.

31Which when they had read, they reioyced for the consolation.

32And Iudas and Silas, being Prophets also themselues, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them:

33And after they had taried there a space, they were let goe in peace from the breehren vnto the Apostles.

34Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

35Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

36 And some dayes after, Paul said vnto Barnabas, Let vs go againe and visit our brethren, in euery city where we haue preached the word of the Lord, and see how they doe.

37And Barnabas determined to take with them Iohn, whose surname was Marke.

38But Paul thought not good to take him with them; who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the worke.

39And the contention was so sharpe betweene them, that they departed asunder one from the other: & so Barnabas tooke Marke, & sailed vnto Cyprus.

40And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren vnto the grace of God.

41And he went thorow Syria and Cilicia, confirming the Churches.

 

1 Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved." 2 Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question. 3 They were sent on their journey by the church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, as well as by the apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. 5 But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law." 6 The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. 7 After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, "My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. 10 Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they."

12 The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. 13 After they had fallen silent, James responded, "My brothers, listen to me. 14 Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name. 15 The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written: 16 'After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it and raise it up again, 17 so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked. Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things, 18 known from of old.' 19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood. 21 For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath." 22 Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers. 23 This is the letter delivered by them: "The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some of our number (who went out) without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind, 25 we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth: 28 'It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, 29 namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.'" 30 And so they were sent on their journey. Upon their arrival in Antioch they called the assembly together and delivered the letter. 31 When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation. 32 Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 After they had spent some time there, they were sent off with greetings of peace from the brothers to those who had commissioned them.

34 Verse thirty four removed after additional manuscripts found.

35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming with many others the word of the Lord. 36 After some time, Paul said to Barnabas, "Come, let us make a return visit to see how the brothers are getting on in all the cities where we proclaimed the word of the Lord." 37 Barnabas wanted to take with them also John, who was called Mark, 38 but Paul insisted that they should not take with them someone who had deserted them at Pamphylia and who had not continued with them in their work. 39 So sharp was their disagreement that they separated. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and departed after being commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia bringing strength to the churches. 

 

v1. These were basically saying, “You must become a proselyte Jew and observe the Law before you can become a Christian.
v2. Paul and Barnabas had seen so many saved otherwise, and realizing the schism this would cause in the church, took strong issue with them. The issue would arise again, so It was a wise determination to have the Jerusalem Council settle the matter once and for all. Other believers were sent as witnesses to corroborate Paul.
v3. The church was endorsing this journey, but they continued to proclaim the conversion of the Gentiles. This brought joy to the hearers, in contrast to Jonah’s grief that Gentiles too believed. (illus. An extremely wicked person of my acquaintance was reported to have been saved, to the chagrin of some Christians he had wronged.)
v4. These missionaries were welcomed by the home church and began their report.
v5. Apparently the report was interrupted by believing Pharisees in the church that also believed Gentiles had to become Jews before becoming Christians. Some today doubt your salvation unless you are in certain denominations.
v.6 This was serious enough to bring before the whole Jerusalem Council.
v7. Peter allowed much venting of opinion before reminding them of his testimony which was well known, how that God specifically used him to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Cornelius, 10-14 years before).
v8. It wasn’t just Peter’s opinion that they were saved, the issue was settled when God had showed his acceptance by giving the same obvious gift of the Spirit, talking in tongues, that he had given Jews.
v9. Entirely faith without works for all people.  (Baptism etc. do not save.)
v10,11. Keeping the law was considered a heavy burden and yoke of slavery that even the Jews could not keep entirely. It had not saved them. Those believing Jews too were saved by faith, not their previous circumcision.
v12. This was not a closed door meeting, the multitude of the congregation heard the discussion. Following Peter’s discourse, Paul and Barnabas continued their testimony in great detail to emphasize what God was doing with Gentiles.
v13. When they had finished their defense, opposition was silent. James was writer of that epistle and one of the half brothers of Jesus. He originally had not believed on him, John 7:5, but Jesus honored him with a special appearance, Acts 15:7. He is not the official but the respected head of the church, and summarizes.
v14. Symeon, Peter’s Hebrew name. First. Before Paul, God had used Peter to reach Gentiles, disregarding circumcision (Peter’s vision of what God had cleansed and the conversion of Cornelius). Believers of the Church Age are those called out.
v15-18. James refers to many prophets in Scripture to confirm this view, but quotes Amos 9:12  from the Greek OT, the Septuagint. See Schofield note on it. James is basically saying that in the Millennium, Christ will return and reestablish David’s rule over Israel with called out Gentiles present. The implication, Amos said nothing about Gentiles needing to be circumcised in the Millennium, so why in the Church Age?
v19,20. James sets forth a practical decision. They should not make it difficult for the Gentiles, but certain things of the ceremonial law were important to all on a moral basis. a. Eating foods offered to idols,especially by entering the banquet halls in the proximity to their immoral worship, was no way to live a life separated from the temptations of the world. b. Sexual impurity was such an accepted practice among the Gentiles that it must be condemned. c. Long before the giving of the law, God told Noah in Gen. 9:4 that meat without the blood drained was forbidden. This would include strangled animals, blood sausage* etc.
*[Just for fun, or revulsion, a recipe for blood sausage:
25 lb. Hog Cheeks, 20 lb. Hog snouts or lips, 15 lb. Back or Shoulder Fat
20 lb. Beef or Hog Blood, 20 lb. Pork rinds, 12 oz. Blood Sausage Seasoning
2 lb. Salt   After preliminary things to be done with this gross mess, it is stuffed into hog stomachs or beef or hog intestines and cooked. ]
God wanted to impress man with the importance of the blood to life (consider how vital transfusions are today) and accordingly, God established capital punishment for the shedding of blood in murder. Even more important, this was to remind us that we have life through the shed blood of Christ who died in our place. These requirements did not constitute legalism. Legalism legislates holy living. Separation urges holy living.
v21. Every place there were Jews, they would justly be offended if those simple requirements were not met.
v22. The whole church concurred with the leaders in not only sending Paul and Barnabas, but two to represent both factions of the dispute, see v.27. Judas, possibly a brother of Joseph, 1:23, to represent the Hebrews and Silas (first mention) for the Hellenists. Had this issue not been settled, the church might have become just another sect of Judaism.
v23-29. The letter stated the Jerusalem decision, which was not man’s wisdom but Holy Spirit led, and Judas and Silas were to confirm it’s authenticity. For any who had reservations about Paul and Barnabas, they are commended for risking their lives to take the gospel to the Gentiles.
v30-35. The multitude in Antioch rejoiced in the content of the letter as well as the preaching of Judas and Silas. When they were dismissed to go back to Jerusalem,  (though verse 34 is not in the best manuscripts) Silas chose to stay, which was the Lord’s providence for him later going out with Paul.

This marks a change in narrative as Paul begins the second missionary journey.
v.36. Realizing they had left many babes in Christ in the churches, Paul recognizes the need for more follow up and instruction.
v.37. Mark had no doubt been a good help before he quit, and Cousin Barnabas was determined to take him along again.
v38. Paul had important work to do and didn’t feel he could be hampered by someone who might quit again when the going got rough.
v39. The older, slower going Barnabas could take the time to mentor Mark and took him back to his own home country where opposition would not hinder Mark’s development. Both men were correct and now there were two missionary teams.
v40. Silas, Roman Sylvanus, had ability and the maturity to stand by Paul in the coming persecutions, and they had the blessing of the congregation.
v41. With Barnabas gone to Cyprus, there was no need to go there, so Paul headed across country over a 3575’ altitude pass to the other young churches. 
For scanned map of second missionary journey see 1 Thess. notes.