A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

The Apostles and the Presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decide to choose

representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas,

who was called Barsabbas, and Silas,

leaders among the brothers. This is the letter delivered by them. The apostles and the

presbyters, your brothers, and the brothers to the brothers of Antioch, Syria, and Cecilia,

of Gentile origin, greetings. Since we have heard that some of our number who went

out without any mandate from us have upset you with their teaching and distorted your peace of mind,

we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with

our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So we are sending Judas and Silas, who will also convey this same message by word of mouth.

It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us, not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,

namely to abstain from meat sacrifice to idols, from blood, from meat of strangled animals,

and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.

And so, they were sent on their journey. Upon their arrival in Antioch, they called the assembly

together and delivered the letter. When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation.

The word of the Lord, I will give thanks among the peoples, O Lord.

I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast.

I will sing and chant praise.

Awake, oh, wake my soul, awake, liar, and harp.

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