A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Some came down to Antioch and began to teach the believers: “Unless you follow exactly the traditions of Moses, you cannot be saved.”  This created dissension and much controversy between them and Paul and Barnabas.  Finally it was decided that Paul, Barnabas and some others should go up to see the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about the question.

It was resolved by the apostles and the elders, in agreement with the whole Jerusalem church, that representatives be chosen from among their number and sent to Antioch along with Paul and Barnabas.  Those chosen were leaders of the community, Judas, known as Barsabbas, and Silas.  They were to deliver this letter.

“The apostles and the elders send greetings to the sisters and brothers of Gentile origin in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.  We have heard that some of our number without any instructions from us have upset you with their discussions and disturbed your peace of mind.  Therefore we have unanimously resolved to choose representatives and send them to you, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have dedicated themselves to the cause of Jesus Christ.  Those whom we are sending you are Judas and Silas, who will convey this message by word of mouth: ‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit, and ours too, not to lay on you any burden beyond that which is strictly necessary, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from illicit sexual union.  You will be well advised to avoid these things.’ ”

The Word of God recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.