ching the gospel in that city,
and bringing many to become disciples, they returned to Lystra, and
Iconium, and Antioch; (22)strengthening the souls of the brethren,
exhorting them to abide firm in the faith, and that through many
afflictions we must pass into the kingdom of heaven. (23)Then
appointing them presbyters in every city, by prayer with fastings they
commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.

(24)Then passing through Pisidia, they came unto Pamphylia. (25)And
having spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia: (26)and
thence sailed for Antioch, from whence they had been commended to the
grace of God for the service which they had performed. (27)So when they
arrived they called the church together, and related what great things
God had done by them, and that he had opened to the heathen the door of
faith.

(28)And there they abode no inconsiderable time with the disciples.

CHAP. XV.

AND certain persons coming down from Judea taught the brethren, That if
ye are not circumcised according to the ordinances of Moses, ye cannot
be saved. (2)There being therefore no small contention and dispute
maintained by Paul and Barnabas against them, they determined that Paul
and Barnabas, and certain others of their body, should go up to the
apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem, for the decision of this
question. (3)They therefore being sent on their way by the church,
passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, giving a particular narrative of
the conversion of the Gentiles: and they gave great joy to all the
brethren. (4)Then when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were cordially
received by the church, and the apostles and presbyters, and they
related how great things God had done by them. (5)But up rose some of
the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was
necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of
Moses. (6)Then the apostles and presbyters were assembled to consider
of this matter. (7)When after much dispute, Peter arose, and said unto
them,

Men and brethren, ye know that a considerable time ago God chose among
us, by my mouth, that the Gentiles should hear the gospel-word, and
believe. (8)And God, who is the discerner of the heart, bore them
witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as to us; (9)and made no
difference betwixt either us or them, purifying their hearts by faith.
(10)Why then now tempt ye God, by imposing a yoke on the neck of the
di