Acts 15:22-41 : Easy-to-Read Version
The Letter to the Non-Jewish Believers
22The apostles* the elders* and the whole church (group of believers) wanted to send some men with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. The group decided to choose some of their own men. They chose Judas (also called Barsabbas) and Silas. These men were respected by the brothers [in Jerusalem]. 23The group sent the letter with these men. The letter said:
From the apostles* and elders,* your brothers. To all the non-Jewish brothers in the city of Antioch and in the countries of Syria and Cilicia: Dear Brothers, 24We have heard that some men have come to you from our group. The things they said troubled and upset you. But we did not tell them to do this! 25We have all agreed to choose some men and send them to you. They will be with our dear friends, Barnabas and Paul. 26Barnabas and Paul have given their lives to serve our Lord Jesus Christ. 27So we have sent Judas and Silas with them. They will tell you the same things. 28The Holy Spirit* thinks that you should have no more burdens, and we agree. You need to do only these things: 29Don't eat food that has been given to idols.* Don't eat meat from animals that have been strangled (choked) or any meat that still has the blood in it. Don't do any kind of sexual sin. Stay away from these things, you will do well. We say good-bye now.
30So Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas left Jerusalem. They went to Antioch. In Antioch they gathered the group of believers and gave them the letter. 31When the believers read it, they were happy. The letter comforted them. 32Judas and Silas were also prophets.* They said many things to help the brothers (believers) and make them stronger. 33After Judas and Silas stayed there for a while, they left. They received a blessing of peace from the brothers. Judas and Silas went back to the brothers [in Jerusalem] who had sent them. 34* 35But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch. They and many others told the Good News* and taught the people the message* of the Lord.
Paul and Barnabas Separate
36A few days later, Paul said to Barnabas, "We told the message* of the Lord in many towns. We should go back to all those towns to visit the brothers [and sisters] and see how they are doing." 37Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark with them too. 38But [on their first trip] John Mark had left them at Pamphylia; he did not continue with them in the work. So Paul did not think it was a good idea to take him. 39Paul and Barnabas had a big argument about this. They separated and went different ways. Barnabas sailed to Cyprus and took Mark with him. 40Paul chose Silas to go with him. The brothers [in Antioch] put Paul into the Lord's care and sent him out. 41Paul and Silas went through the countries of Syria and Cilicia, helping the churches* grow stronger.
apostles The men Jesus chose to be his special helpers. elders A group of men chosen to lead a church. Also called "overseers" and "pastors" ("shepherds"), they have the work of caring for God's people (Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11; Tit. 1:7,9). Spirit, Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. Joined with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world. idols The false gods that the non-Jewish people worshiped. prophets People that spoke for God. Verse 34 Some Greek copies of Acts add verse 34: "... but Silas decided to remain there." Good News, message The news that God has made a way for people to have their sins forgiven and live with him forever. message, Good News The news that God has made a way for people to have their sins forgiven and live with him forever. churches Groups of believers in the towns where Paul and Barnabas went before.