26. Men who have hazarded their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27. So we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will bring you the same message by word of mouth.
28. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these indispensable requirements:
29. That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from [tasting] blood and from [eating the meat of animals] that have been strangled and from sexual impurity. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell [be strong]!
30. So when [the messengers] were sent off, they went down to Antioch; and having assembled the congregation, they delivered the letter.
31. And when they read it, the people rejoiced at the consolation and encouragement [it brought them].
32. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God), urged and warned and consoled and encouraged the brethren with many words and strengthened them.
33. And after spending some time there, they were sent back by the brethren with [the greeting] peace to those who had sent them.
34. However, Silas decided to stay on there.
35. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch and with many others also continued teaching and proclaiming the good news, the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in God's kingdom].
36. And after some time Paul said to Barnabas, Come, let us go back and again visit and help and minister to the brethren in every town where we made known the message of the Lord, and see how they are getting along.
37. Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark [his near relative].
38. But Paul did not think it best to have along with them the one who had quit and deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work.
39. And there followed a sharp disagreement between them, so that they separated from each other, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.
40. But Paul selected Silas and set out, being commended by the brethren to the grace (the favor and mercy) of the Lord.