May 7, 2026

7After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us. 9He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. 10Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.” 12The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. 13James on Dietary Law. After they had fallen silent, James responded, “My brothers, listen to me. 14Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name. 15The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written: 16‘After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it and raise it up again, 17so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked. Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things, 18known from of old.’ 19It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God, 20but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood. 21For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”

1Psalm 96 God of the Universe I - Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2Sing to the LORD, bless his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his marvelous deeds. 10declare among the nations: The LORD is king. The world will surely stand fast, never to be shaken. He rules the peoples with fairness.

27My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

9As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.