1And certain men who had come down from Y’hudah taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised in accordance with the Torah, you cannot be saved.” 2And there was great dissension and controversy between them and Pavlos and Bar-Naba, and it reached such a point that it was necessary for Pavlos and Bar-Naba and others with them to go up to Yerushalayim to the Shlikhim and elders concerning this question. 3They were given an escort and sent on their way by the congregation, and they traveled through all Fenikiya and the territory of the Shomronim, declaring the reconciliation of the Goyim; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 4On their arrival at Yerushalayim, they were received by the congregation, and by the Shlikhim and elders; and they reported everything that Elohim had done with them. 5But some of the men who trusted who were from the sect of the P’rushim rose up and said, “You must circumcise them and command them to keep the Torah of Moshe.”
6Then the Shlikhim and elders assembled to consider this matter. 7And after much controversy, Shimon rose up and said to them, “Men and brethren, you know that from the early days Elohim chose that from my mouth the Goyim should hear the word of HaB’sorah, and Emunah. 8And Elohim, who knows what is in the heart, has testified concerning them, and has given them The Ru’akh HaKodesh just as He did to us. 9And He did not discriminate between us and them, because He purified their hearts by absolute trust. 10Now, therefore, why do you tempt Elohim by putting a yoke upon the necks of the talmidim which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11But we trust that through the compassion of Adoneinu Yeshua HaMashi’akh we shall be saved even as they.” 12Then the whole congregation was silent and listened to Pavlos and Bar-Naba, who were declaring the miracles and signs among the Goyim and everything which Elohim had wrought by their hands.
13And when they had ceased speaking, Ya’akov rose up and said, “Men and brethren, hear me: 14Shimon Kefa has told you how Elohim, from the beginning, chose a people from the Goyim for His Name. 15And with this the words of the Nevi’im agree, as it is written, 16‘After this I will return, and I will set up again the Sukka of David which has fallen down; and I will repair what has fallen from it, and I will set it up, 17so that a remnant of the sons of Man may seek after יהוה , and also all the Goyim upon whom My Name is called; so said יהוה , who does all these things.’ 18The works of Elohim are known from the very beginning. 19Because of this, I say do not trouble those who turn to Elohim from among the Goyim. 20But let us send word to them that they abstain from defilement by sacrifices to idols, and from fornication, and from creatures strangled, and from blood. 21For Moshe, since early generations, has those who declare him in the Beit K’nessets in every city who read him on every Yom Shabbat.”
22Then the Shlikhim and elders, with the whole congregation, chose men from among themselves and sent them to Antioch with Pavlos and Bar-Naba; namely, Yehudah who is called Barsabas, and Shilah, men who were leaders among the brethren; 23and they wrote a letter and sent it by them after this manner: “The Shlikhim, elders, and brethren, to the brethren of the Goyim in Antioch, Surya, and Cilicia, greetings: 24We have heard that certain men have gone out and disturbed you with words, thus upsetting your souls, saying you must be circumcised and keep the whole Torah; concerning these things we have never commanded them. 25Therefore, we have considered the matter while we are assembled, and we have chosen and sent men to you with our beloved Pavlos and Bar-Naba, 26men who have dedicated their lives for the Name of Adoneinu Yeshua HaMashi’akh. 27And we have sent with them Yehudah and Shilah, so that they may tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28For it is the will of The Ru’akh HaKodesh and of us to lay upon you no additional burden than these necessary things: 29that you abstain from sacrifices offered to idols, and from blood, and from creatures strangled, and from fornication; when you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Stand steadfast in Adoneinu.” 30Now when those who were sent came to Antioch and when the whole people were gathered together, they delivered the letter; 31and when they had read it, the people rejoiced and were comforted. 32And Yehudah and Shilah, being nevi’im themselves also, established the brethren with gracious words. 33And after they had been there some time, the brethren let them go in shalom to the Shlikhim. 34Pavlos also, and Bar-Naba, remained in Antioch, teaching and declaring D’var HaElohim, with many others also.
35And some days after, Pavlos said to Bar-Naba, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city where we have declared D’var HaElohim and see how they do.” 36Now Bar-Naba wanted to take Yokhanan who was also called Markos. 37But Pavlos was unwilling to take him with them because he had left them when they were in Pamphylia and had not gone with them. 38And because of this dispute, Pavlos and Bar-Naba separated from each other; and Bar-Naba took Markos, and they sailed to Cyprus, 39but Pavlos chose Shilah and departed, being commended by the brethren to the compassion of Elohim. 40And he traveled through Surya and Cilicia, establishing congregations.
Coming Soon! We are working daily on translating the remainder of the Brit Khadashah from Aramaic to Hebrew. Check back soon for this chapter’s Hebrew version!