15. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders sent someone over to tell Paul and Barnabas, “Friends, if you have anything to say that will help the people, please say it.”
16. Paul got up. He motioned with his hand and said:People of Israel, and everyone else who worships God, listen!
17. The God of Israel chose our ancestors, and he let our people prosper while they were living in Egypt. Then with his mighty power he led them out,
18. and for about forty years he took care of them in the desert.
19. He destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan and gave their land to our people.