Thematic Bible




Acts 15:1 (show verse)

AND certain persons coming down from Judea taught the brethren, That if ye are not circumcised according to the ordinances of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

Acts 15:2 (show verse)

There being therefore no small contention and dispute maintained by Paul and Barnabas against them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of their body, should go up to the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem, for the decision of this question.

Acts 15:3 (show verse)

They therefore being sent on their way by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, giving a particular narrative of the conversion of the Gentiles: and they gave great joy to all the brethren.

Acts 15:4 (show verse)

Then when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were cordially received by the church, and the apostles and presbyters, and they related how great things God had done by them.

Acts 15:5 (show verse)

But up rose some of the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of Moses.

Acts 15:6 (show verse)

Then the apostles and presbyters were assembled to consider of this matter.

Acts 15:7 (show verse)

When after much dispute, Peter arose, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know that a considerable time ago God chose among us, by my mouth, that the Gentiles should hear the gospel-word, and believe.

Acts 15:8 (show verse)

And God, who is the discerner of the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as to us;

Acts 15:9 (show verse)

and made no difference betwixt either us or them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Acts 15:10 (show verse)

Why then now tempt ye God, by imposing a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Acts 15:11 (show verse)

But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the same way as they.

Acts 15:12 (show verse)

Then the whole multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, relating how great signs and miracles God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Acts 15:13 (show verse)

Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me:

Acts 15:14 (show verse)

Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon [the Gentiles], to take from them a people for his name.

Acts 15:15 (show verse)

And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written,

Acts 15:16 (show verse)

"After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again:

Acts 15:17 (show verse)

that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things."

Acts 15:18 (show verse)

Known unto God from the beginning are all his works.

Acts 15:19 (show verse)

Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God:

Acts 15:20 (show verse)

but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idol [sacrifices], and from whoredom, and from what is strangled, and from blood.

Acts 15:21 (show verse)

For Moses for ages past in every city hath those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day.

Acts 15:22 (show verse)

Then it was determined by the apostles and presbyters with the whole church, to send select men from themselves unto Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren;

Acts 15:23 (show verse)

writing a letter by their hand, in these words: The apostles and presbyters and the brethren, to the brethren from among the Gentiles which are at Antioch, and in Syria, and Cilicia, greeting:

Acts 15:24 (show verse)

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain persons who went out from us have disturbed you with discourses, unsettling your minds, insisting, that you should be circumcised, and observe the law: to whom we gave no such charge:

Acts 15:25 (show verse)

it hath seemed fit to us, assembled unanimously, to send unto you select men with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Acts 15:26 (show verse)

men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 15:27 (show verse)

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they by word of mouth will tell you the same things.

Acts 15:28 (show verse)

For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no other burden except these things which are of absolute necessity;

Acts 15:29 (show verse)

that ye abstain from eating whatever is sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from whoredom: from which things carefully preserving yourselves, ye shall do well. Farewell.

Acts 15:30 (show verse)

They then being thus dispatched, came to Antioch: and assembling the multitude, they delivered the letter:

Acts 15:31 (show verse)

and when they had read it, they rejoiced in the consolation [of it].

Acts 15:32 (show verse)

Then Judas and Silas, being also themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren, in many a discourse, and established them.

Acts 15:33 (show verse)

And having stayed their time, they were dismissed in peace from the brethren to the apostles.

Acts 15:34 (show verse)

However Silas thought proper to abide there.

Acts 15:35 (show verse)

Paul also and Barnabas abode at Antioch, teaching and preaching, with many others also, the word of the Lord.

Acts 15:36 (show verse)

Then after certain days said Paul to Barnabas, Let us now return and visit our brethren in every city among whom we have preached the word of the Lord, that we may see how they hold on.

Acts 15:37 (show verse)

Now Barnabas had resolved to take with him John, whose surname is Mark.

Acts 15:38 (show verse)

But Paul did not think him a fit person to take with them, who had withdrawn from them from Pamphylia, and no longer went with them to the service.

Acts 15:39 (show verse)

So there grew up a sudden quarrel, insomuch that they separated from each other: and Barnabas, taking Mark with him, sailed away to Cyprus:

Acts 15:40 (show verse)

but Paul selecting Silas, departed, being commended by the brethren to the favour of God.

Acts 15:41 (show verse)

And he passed through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.