How is the circumcision dispute resolved, and why do the companions separate?

Some coming from Judea teach that the brethren cannot be saved without circumcision according to Moses’s manner. After considerable contention with Paul and Barnabas, it is determined that these two and certain others of the other side should go to Jerusalem’s apostles and priests about the question. The church brings them on their way through Phenice and Samaria, where reports of Gentile conversion cause joy. Jerusalem’s church, apostles and ancients receive them and hear what God has done. Believing Pharisees insist on circumcision and Moses’s law. After much dispute among the assembled apostles and ancients, Peter recalls God choosing the Gentiles to hear and believe through his mouth. God, knowing hearts, gave them the Holy Ghost without distinction, purifying their hearts by faith. Why tempt God by imposing a yoke neither the fathers nor the speakers could bear? They believe themselves saved through Jesus Christ’s grace, just as the Gentiles are.

The multitude keeps peace while Barnabas and Paul report signs and wonders among the Gentiles. James asks them to hear: Simon has described God taking from the Gentiles a people for his name, in agreement with the prophets. The fallen tabernacle of David and its ruins will be rebuilt so the residue of men and all nations invoking God’s name seek him; his work was known from the world’s beginning. James judges that Gentile converts should not be disquieted, but written to abstain from idols’ pollutions, fornication, strangled things and blood. Moses has preachers in every city and is read each sabbath in the synagogues.

The apostles, ancients and whole church choose Judas Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren, to go to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. Their letter greets Gentile brethren in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. Unauthorized men have troubled them with words subverting their souls. The assembly chooses messengers with beloved Barnabas and Paul, who gave their lives for Jesus’s name; Judas and Silas will also explain by word. The Holy Ghost and the assembly judge that no further burden be laid beyond the necessary abstentions from idol sacrifices, blood, strangled things and fornication. Keeping these, the recipients will do well. The annotation calls blood and strangled things naturally indifferent, temporarily forbidden to facilitate Jewish acceptance of Gentile society and exercise Gentile obedience. It says that obligation has long ceased, especially in western churches.

The messengers deliver the epistle to Antioch’s gathered multitude, who rejoice in its consolation. Judas and Silas, also prophets, comfort and confirm the brethren with many words. After some time they are released in peace, but Silas chooses to remain and Judas alone returns to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas continue teaching with many others. Later Paul proposes revisiting the brethren in every city where they preached. Barnabas wants to take John Mark, but Paul objects because he left them in Pamphylia and did not accompany them to the work. Their dissension separates them: Barnabas takes Mark to Cyprus, while Paul chooses Silas and leaves commended to grace. He confirms Syria and Cilicia’s churches, commanding the apostles’ and ancients’ precepts.