THE DECISION IS SENT TO ANTIOCH IN A LETTER (Acts 15:22-35):
The Apostles and elders chose a few good men, Judas and Silas, to accompany Barnabas and Paul back to Antioch with a letter containing their decision.
The letter stated that it seemed good to the Apostles, elders, and Holy Spirit not to burden the Gentiles with the old Jewish religious laws.
When the congregation in Antioch heard the news, they rejoiced and were encouraged.
Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch teaching and preaching.
THE RETURN TO THE MISSION FIELD (15:36-41):
After some days, Paul and Barnabas decided to return to the churches they had previously started to check in on their progress.
But they were divided over letting John Mark accompany them, because on their previous trip, he had left them and returned home while they were in Pamphylia.
In the end, Barnabas and Paul decided to separate.
Barnabas took John Mark and went to Cyprus.
Paul took Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia “strengthening the churches.”
