the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.--And to this agree the words of the Prophets; as it is written,--After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:--That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord who doeth all these things.--Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.--Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:--But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.--For Moses of old time hath in every city, them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day.--Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders, with the whole Church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; _namely_, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren.--And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.--Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised; and keep the law; to whom we gave no such commandment:--It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul;--Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.--We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.--For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;--That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.--So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the Epistle.--Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.--And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.--And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the Apostles.--34. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. GALATIANS ii. 1 to the end.