Workers For Jesus Online Bible Study Table of Contents

About this Bible Study........The King James Version of the Bible is written in a beautiful form of the English language. It can be hard for modern English readers to understand.  In this study, you will find notes and summaries in brown just above the the verses from the Bible. We recommend that you read the notes and summaries first, and then read the verses in their KJV form. 



Timeline of the Bible


God creates the world. --- God destroys the world with the flood, but saves  Noah and his family.---
 God chooses Abraham and his descendants to His people. ---Abraham's grandson, Jacob, has 12 sons who lead the 12 tribes of Israel.--- The Israelites become slaves in Egypt.--- God helps the Israelites escape and leads them to Canaan. ---The Israelites fight in wars and take control of Canaan.---Judges lead the Israelites, but the Israelites want to have kings instead of judges. --- David is Israel's greatest king. --- Israel divides into 2 parts: Israel and Judah.--- The people of Israel and Judah continue to sin and worship false gods.--- God allows the Assyrians and the Babylonians to take the Israelites out of Israel and Judah.---   The Israelites (Jews) live in Babylonia and then Persia. --- When Persia defeats the Babylonians, the Jews go back to Judah.--- The Jews build God's Temple in Jerusalem again.--- Greece defeats Persia, and the Greeks control Judah (also now called Israel).--- The Jews become independent for 100 years.-- The Romans take control of Israel.--- Jesus is born. At age 30, Jesus begins his ministry. ---Jesus is crucified and then is resurrected.      This book of the Bible happens between theses times  A Roman named Saul is converted to Christianity and becomes Paul.--- Christianity spreads. --- ◄        Paul write letters to Christians in other places. In the year, 70 A.D., God's Temple in Jerusalem is destroyed again.

 

The Book of  Acts

Acts tells the story of the early Christian church and how Christianity spread to other parts of the world. It covers the first years of the Christian church. Most people who study the Bible feel that Jesus' disciple, Luke, was the author of Acts. They feel that the Book of Luke and the Book of Acts were meant to be together. They also feel that Luke may have planned to write a third book.

The 2 important people in the Book of Acts are Peter and Paul.  Some important events that happen in Acts are the coming of the Holy Spirit, the persecution of Christians, the conversion of Saul (Paul), and the spread of Christianity to other parts of the world.

 


Acts 13 - 15

Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark continue to travel and spread the Gospel.
Paul makes a sorcerer go blind.
Barnabas and Paul's lives are threatened.
People in Greece think Barnabas and Paul are gods and they try to make sacrifices to them.
Disagreement over whether Gentile Christians should be circumcised or not.
The Council in Jerusalem meets to decide about circumcision.

 

Acts 13


Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark go to the island of Cyprus.


The church in Antioch had some prophets and teachers.  They were Barnabas, Simeon (also called Niger), Lucius (from Cyrene), Saul,  and Manaen. Manaen had grown up with Herod.[1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.


These prophets and teachers did God's work. They also fasted and did not eat.  The Holy Spirit talked to them, and told them it was time for Barnabas and Saul to leave to do God's work in other places. After they fasted and prayed, they laid hands on Barnabas and Saul. Then they sent Barnabas and Saul away.
[2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
[3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

 

Please click here to visit a web site with good maps of Paul's journeys.


In the city of Salamis


Barnabas and Saul obeyed the Holy Spirit, and they left to go to Seleucia.  After that, they sailed to the island of Cyprus.  After they arrived at the city of Salamis, they preached the word of God to the Jews in the Jewish synagogues.  John (John Mark) also helped them minister to the people in Salamis.
[4] So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
[5] And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.



In the city of Paphos, Paul makes a sorcerer go blind.

Then they went to the city named Paphos.  In Paphos, there was a sorcerer who practiced witchcraft. He was a Jewish man who was a false prophet. His name was Bar-jesus.  One of the leaders in Paphos was named Sergius Paulus.  He was a smart man, and he wanted to hear the word of God. He called Barnabas and Saul.
[6] And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:
[7] Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.


But Bar-jesus (also called Elymas) didn't want Sergius Paulus to meet Barnabas and Saul and become a Christian.
[8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.


Saul (Paul) was filled with the Holy Spirit.  He looked at Bar-jesus and told him he was a child of the devil.  He said he was a liar and was an enemy of people who obey God's laws.  He said Bar-jesus continued to block the right ways of the Lord. Now, the Lord will punish Bar-jesus. He will be blind for a while.  As soon as Paul said that, a mist and darkness fell on Bar-jesus, and he couldn't see anything. He went to find someone to lead him around.
[9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
[10] And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
[11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand?


When Segius Paulus, the city leader, saw what happened to Bar-jesus, he believed in Jesus. He was amazed at the teaching of the Lord.
[12] Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.


 



 

Antioch

There are 2 places named Antioch in the Book of Acts.

The first one was in Syria.  It was a large city near the Orontes River.

The second one was in Turkey in the area named Pisidia.

In Perga in the area of Pamphylia,  John Mark leaves and goes back to Jerusalem. Paul preaches in the synagogue in Antioch.



Paul and his group left Paphos. Then they went to Perga in the area of Pamphylia.  John Mark left and went back to Jerusalem.
[13] Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
 


After they left Perga, they went to Antioch in the area of Pisidia (Turkey).  On the sabbath day, they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the leaders of the synagogue read the law and the words of the prophets, they asked Paul and his group if they had anything to say. If they had anything to say, they should say it now.
[14] But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
[15] And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.


Paul stood up. He motioned with his hand and said that the men of Israel and men who love God should listen to him.
[16] Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.



This is what Paul said in the synagogue of Antioch:

 

The God of Israel chose our ancestors.  When our ancestors lived as strangers in Egypt, God helped them. With His powerful hand, He brought them out of Egypt.
[17] The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.


They were in the wilderness for 40 years, and God helped them.

[18] And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.



After God destroyed 7 nations in the land of Canaan, He divided the land. He gave the land to the Israelites by lot.
[19] And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.


For 450 years, God gave them judges to lead them.  The judges led them until Samuel the prophet.
[20] And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.


Later, the Israelites wanted a king. God gave them Saul (the son of Cis from the tribe of Benjamin) to be their king. Saul was king for 40 years.
[21] And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.


After God removed Saul as king, He raised up David (his father's name was Jesse) to be the king.  God said that David was a man after His own heart and that David would do God's will.
[22] And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.


God promised that one of David's descendants would be the savior of Israel.  He kept that promise with Jesus.
[23] Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:


John the Baptist first preached to the people of Israel. He preached about repentance of their sins and being baptized.

[24] When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.


John the Baptist asked people who they thought he was. If they thought he was the Messiah, he told them he was not. But he said there would be someone to come after him. The other person would be very important. John said he was not even good enough to take the other person's shoes off.
[25] And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.


Paul said that salvation was for the descendants of Abraham and for anyone who loves and respects God.
[26] Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.


The people in Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize Jesus to be the Messiah. They read the scriptures on the sabbath day. The scriptures are what the prophets said about the Messiah. But they did not recognize Him
[27] For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.


The scripture said the Messiah would be killed.  That's exactly what happened.  The Jews couldn't find any good reason to kill Jesus, but they wanted Pilate to kill him anyway.  They took him down from the cross and put him in a grave. But God raised Jesus from the dead. 
[28] And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
[29] And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
[30] But God raised him from the dead:


After Jesus was raised from the dead, his disciples saw him for many days. These were the disciples who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem.  They were witnesses and told  other people that Jesus is alive.
[31] And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.


We are telling you with happiness that God's promise to our ancestors has been kept.  He raised up Jesus.  It is from Psalms 2 (Psalms 2:7) -  "I will tell the promise that the Lord made to me: “You are my son, because today I have become your father."

[32] And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
[33] God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.


God raised Jesus from the dead and His body will not decay.  God said He would make the same promise as He made to David.  In another Psalm, God said that His Holy One would not be decayed.
[34] And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
[35] Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.


David was king for a long time and did God's will. After he died and was buried with his ancestors, his body decayed.  But God raised Jesus, and His body did not decay.
[36] For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
[37] But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.


Paul said that everyone in the synagogue should know that Jesus can forgive their sins. Everyone who believes can be forgiven. The law of Moses did not forgive everyone.
[38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
[39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Be careful, though. The prophets said that people who do not believe will die. Paul said that if they didn't believe what he said about Jesus, they would die because their sins would not be forgiven.
[40] Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
[41] Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.


After the Jews left the synagogue, the Gentiles wanted Paul and Barnabas to preach to them on the next sabbath.
[42] And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.



Many people became Christians after Paul preached, and the Jews were jealous.



After the Jewish service was over, many Jews and other believers followed Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas told them to continue in God's grace.

[43] Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.


The next week on the sabbath, almost the whole city came to hear the word of God. When the Jews saw the crowds who listened to Paul and Barnabas, they were very jealous. They said bad things about Paul and what he said.
[44] And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
[45] But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.


Paul and Barnabas became more brave. They said that the Jews heard their witness about Jesus first. But since the Jews don't believe them and don't want to live forever, now they will tell the Gentiles.
[46] Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.


God had told Paul and Barnabas that He set them to be a light to the Gentiles. They should tell about salvation through Jesus to every part of the earth.
[47] For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.


When the Gentiles heard this, they were very happy. They praised the word of God. Many of them were saved.
[48] And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.


God's word was told through the whole area.
[49] And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.


But the Jews stirred up trouble. They complained to the city leaders and some of the strongly religious women. They went against Paul and Barnabas and made them leave their areas.
[50] But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.


Paul and Barnabas shook the dust of those places off their feet.  Then they went to the area named Iconium. 
[51] But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.


The disciples they left behind in Antioch were  filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
[52] And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
 



Acts 14


In Iconium


Barnabas and Paul went to Iconium. They both went into the synagogue of the Jews. They spoke there, and many Jews and Greeks believed in Jesus. But the Jews who did not believe in Jesus made trouble with the Gentiles.  They caused them to be against their Gentile Christian brothers.
[1] And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
[2] But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.


They stayed there a long time speaking boldly about Jesus. They told about His grace. The Lord gave them the power to do miracles.
[3] Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

But the people in the city didn't agree with each other.  Some were on the side of the Jews, and others were on the side of the apostles.
[4] But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.



Barnabas and Paul find out about plans to kill them.



Some Gentiles and some Jews with their leaders were against Barnabas and Saul.  They wanted to stone them to death.
[5] And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,


Paul and Barnabas found out about their plans.   They escaped to the area of Lycaonia to the cities of Lystra and Derbe and the places around them. They preached the gospel there.
[6] They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
[7] And there they preached the gospel.



In Lystra and Derbe, Paul heals a disabled man. The people think Barnabas and Paul are gods.



At Lystra, there was a disabled man. He had been born disabled, and he could not walk.
[8] And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:


The disabled man heard Paul speak.  Paul stared at him and felt that the man had the faith to be healed.  Paul loudly told the man to stand up. The man jumped up and started walking.
[9] The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
[10] Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.


The people saw what Paul had done. They started shouting (in their local language) that the gods had come to earth and looked like human men.
[11] And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

The people said Barnabas was the Greek god named Jupiter. They said Paul was the Greek god named Mercurius because he was the lead speaker.
[12] And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.


The priest of Jupiter was near the city of Lystra. He brought oxen and flower ropes. He planned to do a sacrifice to the Greek god, Jupiter.

[13] Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.


When Barnabas and Paul heard about that, they tore their clothes to show they were upset.  They cried out to the people. They asked them why they were doing these things. They said they were not gods. They said they were men like them. They preached to them that they should not worship the false Greek gods.  They should believe in God who made heaven, earth, the sea, and everything in the earth.  During the past, God let nations walk their own ways. But He always showed His goodness by sending the rain and good harvests. He filled hearts with food and happiness. 
[14] Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
[15] And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
[16] Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
[17] Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

 

But the crowd still said Barnabas and Saul were really Jupiter and Mercurius and wanted to sacrifice to them.
[18] And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.


 



A crowd tries to kill Paul with rocks.


Some Jews came from the cities of Antioch and Iconium.  They talked badly about Paul and Barnabas. The people threw rocks at Paul and hit him. They thought he was dead, and they dragged him out of the city. But some of the disciples stood around Paul.  Then he got up and came into the city. The next day, he and Barnabas left Lystra and went to the city of Derbe.
[19] And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
[20] Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.


After they preached in Derbe and taught many people about Jesus, they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. They met with the Christians and encouraged them to be faithful and keep believing in God.  They told them that everyone must go through a lot of hard times before they enter into the kingdom of God.
[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.


They ordained elders in every church. They prayed and fasted. They put them into God's hands because the people believed in 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.


After they went through Pisidia, they went to Pamphylia.
[24] And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

 




Paul and Barnabas go back to Antioch in Syria.



After they preached about Jesus in Perga, they went to Attalia.   From there, they sailed to Antioch (in Syria). God blessed them for the things they had done.
[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.


When they got to Antioch, they called the church together.  They told them about all the things God had done.  They told them how God now wanted them to preach to Gentiles.
[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.

They stayed in Antioch with the disciples for a long time.
[28] And there they abode long time with the disciples.
 



Acts 15


A meeting in Jerusalem about the disagreement over circumcision--the Council of Jerusalem


Some people from Judaea came and talked to the Christians in Antioch. They told them that they could only be saved if they were circumcised according to the law of Moses.

[1] 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.
 

Paul and Barnabas had an argument with them. They decided to send Paul, Barnabas, and some of the church men to Jerusalem to talk to the apostles and elders about this.
[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.
 

While they were traveling to Jerusalem, they passed through Phenice and Samaria.  They told about how the Gentiles were saved now. Everyone was happy to hear this.
[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.


When they got to Jerusalem, the people of the church, the apostles, and the elders met them.  They told them all the things God had done with them.
[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.


Some of the Pharisees that had become Christians said that Gentiles must be circumcised.
[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.


The apostles and elders met together to discuss this situation.
[6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.




Peter, Barnabas, Paul, and James talk to the people at the Council.



There was a lot of arguing. Peter got up and talked. He reminded them that God told him that Gentiles should hear about Jesus, too.  God knows what is in the Gentiles' hearts. He sent the Holy Spirit to them the same as he sent the Holy Spirit to the Jewish Christians.
[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;
 

God didn't make any difference between the Gentile believers and the Jewish believers. Their hearts were pure by faith.
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.


Why are you putting a heavy burden on believers? Neither our ancestors or us could carry a heavy burden like that.  We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be saved.
[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.


The crowd was quiet. They listened to Barnabas and Paul talk about the miracles that God had done through them for the Gentiles.
[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.


After Barnabas and Paul were finished, James answered. He asked the crowd to listen to him.
[13] And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:


Simeon (Peter) told how God first saved some of the Gentiles. 
[14] Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
 

The prophets had told that this would happen. This is what they said:
[15] And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

"God says after this, I will return. I will build again David's tabernacle which has fallen down.  I will build it again from the ruins.
[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:


Then people who are left and the Gentiles will seek the Lord.  They will be my people and have my name.  God does all of the things He says. He knows everything He has done from the beginning of the world."
[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.
 

James then gave his opinion. He felt that they should not force the Gentile Christians to be circumcised.  
[19] Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:


But he feels they should write to them and tell them some laws they should follow.  They should not eat food that was offered to idols.  They should not have sexual relations outside of marriage. They should not eat animals that have been strangled. They should not eat meat that has blood in it.
[20] But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.


The Laws of Moses have been preached in every city for a long time. The Laws have been read in the synagogues every Sabbath.
[21] For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.




The Jerusalem church decides to send men back to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
They send a letter with them for the church in Antioch.


The apostles, elders, and the whole church decided to send some men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose the men named Judas Barsabas and Silas to go with them.
[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:



They wrote letters to the people in the church in Antioch.  This is what they wrote: The apostles, elders, and brothers send greetings. They greet the Gentile Christians in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia.
[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:


We have heard that some people from here have been telling that you must be circumcised. They tell you that you must do that to obey the law. We did not tell them to tell you that.
[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:


We all agreed to send some of our men with Barnabas and Paul.  These are men who risk their lives in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[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.


We are sending you the men named Judas and Silas. They will tell you in person the things in this letter.
[27] We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.


We and the Holy Spirit felt that we should only tell you things that are necessary.  You should not eat meat that was offered to idols. You should not eat meat with blood in it or meat from animals that were strangled.  You should not have sexual relations outside of marriage.  If you obey these rules, you will do well. We wish you well. 
[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.



The men left Jerusalem and went back to Antioch.  They brought the church together. Then, they read the letter from Jerusalem.  After they read it, they rejoiced.
[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.


Judas and Silas, who were also prophets, talked to the church. They confirmed and encouraged them.
[32] And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
 

After they stayed in Antioch for a while, they were ready to return to Jerusalem.  But, Silas decided to stay there in Antioch.
[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.


Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch.  They were teaching and preaching the word of the Lord with many others.
[35] Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

 




Paul and Barnabas separate and go to different places.


After a while, Paul told Barnabas they should go visit the Christians in all of the cities where they had preached. He wanted to check to see how they were doing.
[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.


Barnabas thought they should take John Mark with them. But Paul did not agree because John Mark had left them in Pamphylia. He had not worked with them since then.
[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.


Paul and Barnabas argued about this. Then, they went separate ways.  Barnabas took John Mark and went to Cyprus.
[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;


Paul chose Silas. The believers put them in God's hands. Then they left.
[40] And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

They went through Syria and Cilicia. They encouraged the churches in those areas.
[41] And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.


 
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