The Return to Antioch in Syria

21 They preached the gospel(A) in that city and won a large number(B) of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium(C) and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.(D) “We must go through many hardships(E) to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a](F) for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting,(G) committed them to the Lord,(H) in whom they had put their trust. 24 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia,(I) 25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch,(J) where they had been committed to the grace of God(K) for the work they had now completed.(L) 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them(M) and how he had opened a door(N) of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.(O)

The Council at Jerusalem

15 Certain people(P) came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers:(Q) “Unless you are circumcised,(R) according to the custom taught by Moses,(S) you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem(T) to see the apostles and elders(U) about this question. The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia(V) and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted.(W) This news made all the believers very glad. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.(X)

Footnotes

  1. Acts 14:23 Or Barnabas ordained elders; or Barnabas had elders elected

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

15 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

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.

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.

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.