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Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 15

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Acts 15 NWT - New World TranslationActs 15 NWT - New World Translation

Chapter 15 of Acts—New World Translation (NWT)

  1. ¶ And certain men came down from Ju·deʹa1 and began to teach the brothers: “Unless YOU get circumcised2 according to the custom of Moses,3 YOU cannot be saved.”
  2. But when there had occurred no little dissension and disputing by Paul and Barʹna·bas with them, they arranged for Paul and Barʹna·bas and some others of them to go up to the apostles and older men[a] in Jerusalem4 regarding this dispute.
  3. ¶ Accordingly, after being conducted partway by the congregation,5 these men continued on their way through both Phoe·niʹcia and Sa·marʹi·a, relating in detail the conversion[b] of people of the nations,6 and they were causing great joy to all the brothers.7
  4. On arriving in Jerusalem they were kindly received8 by the congregation and the apostles and the older men, and they recounted the many things God had done by means of them.9
  5. Yet, some of those of the sect of the Pharisees that had believed rose up from their seats and said: “It is necessary to circumcise them10 and charge them to observe the law of Moses.”11
  6. ¶ And the apostles and the older men gathered together to see about this affair.12
  7. Now when much disputing13 had taken place, Peter rose and said to them: “Men, brothers, YOU well know that from early days God made the choice among YOU that through my mouth people of the nations should hear the word of the good news and believe;14
  8. and God, who knows the heart,15 bore witness by giving them the holy spirit,16 just as he did to us also.
  9. And he made no distinction at all between us and them,17 but purified their hearts by faith.18
  10. Now, therefore, why are YOU making a test of God by imposing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke19 that neither our forefathers nor we were capable of bearing?20
  11. On the contrary, we trust to get saved through the undeserved kindness21 of the Lord Jesus in the same way as those people also.”22
  12. ¶ At that the entire multitude became silent, and they began to listen to Barʹna·bas and Paul relate the many signs and portents that God did through them among the nations.23
  13. After they quit speaking, James answered, saying: “Men, brothers, hear me.24
  14. Symʹe·on[c]25 has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.26
  15. And with this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written,
  16. ‘After these things I shall return and rebuild the booth[d] of David that is fallen down; and I shall rebuild its ruins and erect it again,27
  17. in order that those who remain of the men may earnestly seek Jehovah,[e] together with people of all the nations, people who are called by my name,[f] says Jehovah,[g] who is doing these things,28
  18. known from of old.’[h]29
  19. Hence my decision is not to trouble those from the nations who are turning to God,30
  20. but to write them to abstain[i] from things polluted by idols31 and from fornication[j]32 and from what is strangled[k]33 and from blood.[l]34
  21. For from ancient times[m] Moses has had in city after city those who preach him, because he is read aloud in the synagogues on every sabbath.”35
  22. ¶ Then the apostles and the older men[n] together with the whole congregation favored sending chosen men from among them to Antioch along with Paul and Barʹna·bas, namely, Judas who was called Barʹsab·bas36 and Silas, leading men among the brothers;
  23. and by their hand they wrote:
    ¶ “The apostles and the older men, brothers, to those brothers in Antioch37 and Syria and Ci·liʹcia38 who are from the nations: Greetings!
  24. Since we have heard that some from among us have caused YOU trouble with speeches,39 trying to subvert YOUR souls, although we did not give them any instructions,40
  25. we have come to a unanimous accord[o]41 and have favored choosing men to send to YOU together with our loved ones, Barʹna·bas and Paul,42
  26. men that have delivered up their souls[p] for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.43
  27. We are therefore dispatching Judas and Silas,44 that they also may report the same things by word.45
  28. For the holy spirit46 and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden47 to YOU, except these necessary things,
  29. to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols48 and from blood49 and from things strangled[q]50 and from fornication.[r]51 If YOU carefully keep yourselves from these things,52 YOU will prosper. Good health to YOU!”[s]
  30. ¶ Accordingly, when these men were let go, they went down to Antioch, and they gathered the multitude together and handed them the letter.53
  31. After reading it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.54
  32. And Judas and Silas, since they themselves were also prophets,55 encouraged the brothers with many a discourse and strengthened them.56
  33. So, when they had passed some time, they were let go in peace57 by the brothers to those who had sent them out.
  34. [t] ——
  35. However, Paul and Barʹna·bas continued spending time in Antioch58 teaching and declaring, with many others also, the good news of the word of Jehovah.[u]59
  36. ¶ Now after some days Paul said to Barʹna·bas: “Above all things, let us return and visit the brothers in every one of the cities in which we published the word of Jehovah[v] to see how they are.”60
  37. For his part, Barʹna·bas was determined to take along also John, who was called Mark.61
  38. But Paul did not think it proper to be taking this one along with them, seeing that he had departed from them from Pam·phylʹi·a62 and had not gone with them to the work.
  39. At this there occurred a sharp burst of anger, so that they separated from each other; and Barʹna·bas63 took Mark along and sailed away to Cyʹprus.64
  40. Paul selected Silas65 and went off after he had been entrusted by the brothers to the undeserved kindness of Jehovah.[w]66
  41. But he went through Syria and Ci·liʹcia, strengthening the congregations.67

FOOTNOTES

  1. ^ Or, “elders.” Gr., pre·sby·teʹrous; J17,18,22(Heb.), wehaz·zeqe·nimʹ, “and the older men.” See Nu 11:25 ftn, “Men.”
  2. ^ Lit., “turning upon.” Gr., e·pi·stro·phenʹ; Lat., con·ver·si·oʹnem.
  3. ^ A Heb. form of the name Simon (Peter). See Mt 10:2 ftn.
  4. ^ Or, “the tent.”
  5. ^ See App 1D.
  6. ^ Or, “upon whom my name has been called.”
  7. ^ See App 1D.
  8. ^ Or, “who has been making these things (18) known from of old.”
  9. ^ Lit., “to be abstaining.” Gr., a·peʹkhe·sthai; Lat., ab·stiʹne·ant.
  10. ^ “Fornication.” Gr., por·neiʹas; Lat., for·ni·ca·ti·oʹne. See App 5A.
  11. ^ Or, “from what is killed without draining its blood.”
  12. ^ “Blood.” Gr., haiʹma·tos; Lat., sanʹgui·ne; J17,18,22(Heb.), u·min-had·damʹ, “and from the blood.”
  13. ^ Lit., “out of original generations.”
  14. ^ See vs 2 ftn.
  15. ^ Lit., “like-mindedly.” Gr., ho·mo·thy·ma·donʹ; Lat., in uʹnum, “in unity.”
  16. ^ Or, “lives.” Gr., psy·khasʹ; Lat., aʹni·mas; J17,18,22(Heb.), naph·shamʹ, “their souls.”
  17. ^ See vs 20 ftn, “Strangled.”
  18. ^ See App 5A.
  19. ^ Or, “Farewell!” J22(Heb.), sha·lohmʹ la·khemʹ, “May you have peace!”
  20. ^ P74אAB omit vs 34; CDVgc add, with variations, “But it seemed good to Silas to remain there further; however Judas alone departed for Jerusalem.”
  21. ^ “Of Jehovah,” J17,18,22,23; Gr., tou Ky·riʹou; Syp, “of God.” See App 1D.
  22. ^ “Of Jehovah,” J7,8,10,17,18,22,23; Gr., tou Ky·riʹou; Syp, “of God.” See App 1D.
  23. ^ “Of Jehovah,” J17,18,22; Gr., tou Ky·riʹou; Vgc,sSyp, “of God.” See App 1D.

REFERENCES

  1. ^ Ga 2:12
  2. ^ Ga 5:2
  3. ^ Ge 17:10; Ex 12:48; Le 12:3
  4. ^ Ac 11:30; 16:4; Ga 2:1
  5. ^ Ro 15:24; 1Co 16:6
  6. ^ Ac 13:4; 14:27
  7. ^ Ac 11:18
  8. ^ Ac 21:17
  9. ^ Ac 21:19
  10. ^ Ac 11:2
  11. ^ Ex 12:48
  12. ^ Pr 13:10; 15:22
  13. ^ Mr 9:16; Ac 15:2
  14. ^ Ac 10:34; 11:17
  15. ^ 1Ch 28:9; Je 11:20; Ac 1:24
  16. ^ Ac 10:44; 11:15
  17. ^ Ga 3:28
  18. ^ Ga 2:16; 1Pe 1:22
  19. ^ Ga 5:1
  20. ^ Ga 3:10
  21. ^ Is 53:11; Jn 1:17; Ga 2:16
  22. ^ Mt 20:28
  23. ^ Ro 15:19
  24. ^ Ac 12:17
  25. ^ Ac 11:13; 2Pe 1:1
  26. ^ Is 55:5; 1Pe 2:9
  27. ^ Am 9:11
  28. ^ Am 9:12
  29. ^ Is 45:21
  30. ^ Ac 15:10
  31. ^ Ge 35:2; Ex 20:3; Eze 20:30; 1Co 8:7; 10:14
  32. ^ 1Co 6:9; Col 3:5; 1Th 4:3
  33. ^ Le 17:13
  34. ^ Ge 9:4; Le 3:17; 7:26; 17:10; 19:26; De 12:23; 15:23; 1Sa 14:32
  35. ^ Ac 13:15; 2Co 3:15
  36. ^ Ac 1:23
  37. ^ Ac 11:26
  38. ^ Ga 1:21
  39. ^ Ac 15:1
  40. ^ Ga 2:4; Ti 1:10
  41. ^ Ac 1:14
  42. ^ 2Pe 3:15
  43. ^ Ac 13:50; 1Co 15:30; 2Co 11:23; Pp 2:29
  44. ^ 1Th 1:1; 1Pe 5:12
  45. ^ Ac 16:4
  46. ^ Jn 16:13; Ac 5:32
  47. ^ Mt 23:4
  48. ^ Ge 35:2; Ex 20:3; 34:15; Eze 20:30; 1Co 8:1; 10:14
  49. ^ Ge 9:4; Le 3:17; 7:26; 17:10; De 12:16, 23; 1Sa 14:32
  50. ^ Le 17:13
  51. ^ 1Co 6:9; Eph 5:5; Col 3:5; 1Th 4:3; 1Pe 4:3
  52. ^ Ac 21:25
  53. ^ Ac 11:26
  54. ^ Pr 15:30
  55. ^ Ac 11:27; 13:1
  56. ^ Ac 13:15; 18:23
  57. ^ 1Co 16:11
  58. ^ Ac 13:1
  59. ^ 2Co 11:7
  60. ^ 2Co 11:28
  61. ^ Col 4:10; 2Ti 4:11
  62. ^ Ac 13:13
  63. ^ Ac 4:36; 13:4
  64. ^ Ac 11:20
  65. ^ Ac 15:27
  66. ^ Ac 14:26; Eph 3:7
  67. ^ Ac 16:5

Read Acts Chapter 15 in other Bible versions:

Comments

  1. Kiamia DoelKiamia Doel
    Jan 9, 2025 23:00 GMT

    The NWT adds words to the text that are not in the greek Manuscripts to fit it's own doctrinal position for example

    Compare the wording of the NWT and the NKJV at Colossians 1:15-17

    NKJV says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

    NWT says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn OF all creation;16 because by means of him all OTHER things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All OTHER things have been created through him and for him. 17 Also, he is before all OTHER things,and by means of him all OTHER things were made to exist,

    The word “other” is not in the Greek but they add it Why? So they can decieve their followers into thinking that Christ was created by the Father and that he then created other things, that is not what the Greek says.

    1. SmeSme
      Feb 27, 2025 11:17 GMT

      Truth is from God and those that follow him. As for lies? John8:44

      Kiamia, I noticed you used a modern version of kjv to make your point about the nwt.

      Why didn’t you use the original kjv of col1:15?

      Is it because it disproves your point? It proves the opposite of what you wrote?

      Here is kjv col1:15 ¶” Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn OF every creature:“

      Now I appeal to your Christian nature to correct your mistake as God is watching each of us, and let us bless the God of Jesus his father.

      Kjv 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ….

  2. YanekYanek
    Dec 24, 2024 22:18 GMT

    Joshua, Jehovah’s Witnesses have never denied the deity of the Messiah in his prehuman existence. While on Earth he was fully 100% human. I do not mean he was a mere human, he was not affected by Adam’s unfaithful behavior, he was sinless.

  3. David yakubuDavid yakubu
    Oct 29, 2022 08:05 GMT

    When i do read some comments and seeing that its the same people that are supposed to be called believers but are talking ill of other denominations, it hurts. Let us all remember that We should judge not

    1. jonas smithjonas smith
      Apr 23, 2023 02:57 GMT

      The bible tells us to test the spirits. Satan disguises himself as angel of light. So yes some denomination are not teaching the truth. You are responsible for judging which ones are not. You have to judge the truth at all times. this is what the bible teaches

  4. THTH
    Apr 7, 2021 00:20 GMT

    The NWT is a very good translation. Dr. Jason David BeDuhn PhD attests to that in his book Truth in Translation. drive.google.com/...5p16melHzg8/view

    1. James LernerJames Lerner
      Jul 20, 2024 09:48 GMT

      The NWT is Satanic filth to its very core.

      The JW Cult is Satanic to its very core.

      Praise Yahweh I will never be a victim of JW brainwashing. If I burn in Hell for eternity or I am ultimately annihilated so be it

      May Yahweh's curse rest on the Watchtower Society and its Satanic leadership

    2. jim mcleodjim mcleod
      Aug 22, 2021 06:16 GMT

      NWT is a false translation that takes away from the deity of Jesus !

  5. SlightlyChaoticSlightlyChaotic
    Jan 30, 2021 16:33 GMT

    Thank you for taking the time to provide this service. I like seeing the NASB on your web page in the same format as I read on paper. On other sites, the text area is smaller, and so I have to keep scrolling down to read and sometimes I lose the context. So I really appreciate the format.

    As far as the NWT, you are certainly free to do whatever you think best with your own web pages. I'd suggest that you make a note anytime you have a translation that is associated with only one denomination or church, for example:
    New World Translation (Jehovah's Witness version).

    In Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares. the main idea seems to be that you can't easily distinguish between God's people and not-God's people on this earth, so our Lord's response is to wait until they are shown to be the kind of people they are inside. But the NWT seems like false teaching to me. So I think the warning passages from Jesus' apostles are more applicable, as in 2 Peter 3:15-16, when he talks about Paul's writings:
    "There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."
    And we also have the positive exhortations, as in 2 Timothy 2:15:
    "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

    1. BroderickBroderick
      Jan 31, 2021 00:57 GMT

      Your suggestion regarding the denominational flagging is duly noted. But I can’t help but wonder, wouldn’t a Catholic also want “Protestant versions” marked as well?

      As for the parable, I’m pretty sure the slaves were convinced in their own minds that they could tell the tares from the wheat. After all, aren’t they the ones who identified the problem in the first place? But the master obviously thought otherwise.

      Furthermore, even at the time when Jesus himself was walking the earth, not everybody who claimed fellowship actually followed him causing John to inquire at Mark 9:39, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him . . . for he who is not against us is for us.”

  6. Joshua HarderJoshua Harder
    Dec 11, 2020 17:48 GMT

    Hello, question.. why have you included the NWT with other legitimate bible translations? Or why have you not atleast included a warning to readers? Don't you fear that someone could be influenced by the Watchtower's intentional heresies? Thank you.

    1. KevinKevin
      Jul 11, 2021 17:45 GMT

      en.m.wikipedia.org/..._Holy_Scriptures

      See the section critical review

    2. ChrisChris
      Jan 8, 2021 07:15 GMT

      Please site these intentional heresies. I am well versed in the watch tower outline and agree they are in many ways incorrect but i also bet i can point many out from EVERY established or main denomination. There is much to learn from them all as one who drinks milk?

      Judge not lest ye be judged, that is not to pass judgement on you either brother.

      I debate with scripture. I don't hold it to be true that Michael is Y'Shua HaMeshiach but I also firmly hold it to be true that our G-d and Heavenly Father are not the word encarnate and only begotten son.

      I love not seeing "lord" which i relate to baal. I feel the catholic church is a satanic establishment and I am aware a freemason started the hovies but there are evil in high places and our fight is also with principalities.

      What i'm saying is that in my darkest hours, those two were some of if not the only ones who would bring a Bible and eucharist and pray with me.

      We all fall short of the glory of G-d.

      Don't forget the NWT was recognized as the most accurate translation on Jeopardy.

      Lastly, this is different I noted than the NWT i have read and am very familiar with. Pull up the watchtower page and compare. I truly look forward to getting this one!

  7. julietjuliet
    Aug 17, 2022 09:36 GMT

    the sky is blue

  8. mercymercy
    Aug 12, 2022 21:23 GMT

    i am Mercy, the sky is blue what else do you need

    1. mercymercy
      Aug 12, 2022 21:25 GMT

      i am so sorry, it was a big mistake

  9. God is able to do all thingsGod is able to do all things
    May 17, 2021 17:59 GMT

    Jesus how much love calling yo name

  10. EmpiralEmpiral
    Jul 4, 2025 19:06 GMT

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