28. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to give you a load that is too heavy. So here are a few basic rules.
29. Don't eat food that has been offered to statues of gods. Don't drink blood. Don't eat the meat of animals that have been choked to death. And don't commit sexual sins. You will do well to keep away from these things. Farewell.
30. The men were sent down to Antioch. There they gathered the church together. They gave the letter to them.
31. The people read it. They were glad for its message of hope.
32. Judas and Silas were prophets. They said many things to give strength and hope to the believers.
33-34. Judas and Silas stayed there for some time. Then the believers sent them away with the blessing of peace. They sent them back to those who had sent them out.
35. Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch. There they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.
36. Some time later Paul spoke to Barnabas. "Let's go back to all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord," he said. "Let's visit the believers and see how they are doing."
37. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them.
38. But Paul didn't think it was wise to take him. Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia. He hadn't continued with them in their work.
39. Barnabas and Paul strongly disagreed with each other. So they went their separate ways. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus.
40. But Paul chose Silas. The believers asked the Lord to give his grace to Paul and Silas as they went.