Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The apostles and brothers in Judea heard that Gentiles had received the word of God.

When Peter came up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, "You went into men uncircumcised and ate with them." But Peter recounted the matter from the beginning, explaining it to them in order.

He said, "I was in Joppa praying. I saw a vision: A great sheet came down from heaven by four corners, and it landed before me. The sheet contained all sorts of animals – beasts from the earth, wild creatures, reptiles, and birds from the sky. And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Peter, get up! Kill and eat.'"

But I replied, "Lord, not so!" because nothing unclean has ever entered my mouth. Yet the voice from heaven answered, "What God has declared clean, do not call common." This happened three times, and every time the vision and the voice returned to heaven.

While I was still thinking about this vision, three men arrived at my house in Caesarea, sent to me by a prophet named Cornelius. The Spirit directed me to go with them without hesitation, accompanied by six brothers who also came with me.

We entered Cornelius's house, where he told us that an angel had visited him and instructed him to send for Simon, also known as Peter, saying, "The message he brings will bring salvation not only to you but to your entire household."

As I began speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just like it did when the apostles were first filled with the Spirit on Pentecost. I recalled the Lord's words: "John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." And so, since God gave them the same gift as he gave us who believed in Jesus Christ, what was I that I could stand in his way?

Those present were silent and gave glory to God, saying that he had also granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles.

As a result of persecution following Stephen's death, some scattered Jews went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to Jews only. Some of these missionaries came from Cyprus and Cyrene and when they arrived in Antioch, spoke to Greeks, preaching about Jesus.

The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, which sent Barnabas to Antioch.

When he arrived, he saw the gracious work of God and rejoiced. He urged everyone there to commit themselves fully to the Lord with hearts full of purpose. This was because Barnabas was a good man who loved the Holy Spirit and lived by faith. Many people were added to their number in Antioch as a result.

Barnabas then went to Tarsus looking for Saul, whom he eventually found and brought back to Antioch. Together they taught many people and were first called "Christians" in that city.

During this time prophets from Jerusalem came to Antioch, where one of them named Agabus prophesied a severe famine would occur all over the world during Emperor Claudius's reign. The disciples decided to send aid to their brothers living in Judea. Each gave what they could, and they sent it to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Saul.