20. Instead, we should write a letter to them. We should tell them these things: Do not eat food that has been offered to idols. (This makes the food unclean.) Do not take part in any kind of sexual sin. Do not taste blood. Do not eat animals that have been strangled.
21. They should not do these things, because there are still men in every city who teach the law of Moses. For a long time the words of Moses have been read in the synagogue every Sabbath day.”
22. The apostles, the elders, and the whole church decided to send some of their men with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. They chose Judas Barsabbas and Silas, who were respected by the believers.
23. They sent the following letter with them:From the apostles and elders, your brothers.To all the non-Jewish brothers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:Dear Brothers,
24. We have heard that some of our men have come to you and said things that trouble and upset you. But we did not tell them to do this!
25. We have all agreed to choose some men and send them to you. They will be with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul—
26. men who have given their lives to serve our Lord Jesus Christ.
27. So we have sent Judas and Silas with them. They will tell you the same things.
28. It has pleased the Holy Spirit that you should not have a heavy load to carry, and we agree. You need to do only these things:
29. Do not eat any food that has been offered to idols. Do not taste blood. Do not eat any animals that have been strangled. Do not take part in any kind of sexual sin. If you stay away from these things, you will do well.Good-bye.
30. So the men left Jerusalem and went to Antioch. There they gathered the church and gave them the letter.
31. When they read it, they were very happy because of the encouraging letter.