A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

The Apostles and Presbyters, in agreement with the whole church,

decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.

The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barabbas, and Silas,

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

presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in 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 disturbed 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 the Lord Jesus Christ. So we are sending Judas and Silas,

who will also convey the same message by word of mouth. It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and us, not to place on you any burden

beyond these necessities, namely to abstain from meat sacrifice to idols, from blood, from meats

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

Farewell.

So they went and were sent on their journey,

and upon their arrival in Antioch,

they called the assembly together and delivered the letter.

When the people read it, they were delighted with this exhortation.

The word of the Lord.

I will give you 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.

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