¶ Then pleased it the apostles and seniors with the whole congregation to send chosen men of their own company to Antioche with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Iudas called also Barsabas and Silas which were chief men among the brethren
and gave them letters in their hands after this manner. ¶ The apostles, seniors and brethren send greetings unto the brethren which are of the gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.
Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which departed from us, have troubled you with words, and cumbered your minds saying: Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment.
After they were brought on their way by the congregation, they passed over Phenices and Samaria, declaring the conversation of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy unto all the brethren.
Then arose there up certain of the sect of the pharises, which did believe saying that it was needful to circumcise them and to enjoin them to keep the law of Moses.
When they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him: Thou seest brother, how many thousand jewes there are which believe, and they are all zealous over the law.
As many as desire with utward appearance to please carnally, they constrain you to be circumcised, only because they would not suffer persecution with the cross of Christ.
¶ Let no man therefore trouble your consciences about meat and drink: or for a piece of an holyday, as the holyday of the new moon or of the saboth daye,
¶ Beware lest any man come and spoil you thorow philosophy and deceitful vanity, thorow the traditions of men, and ordinances after the world, and not after Christ.