175 The Variant Readings of the Western Text of the Acts of the Apostles (XXII) (Acts 14:28–15:41) JOSEP RIUS-CAMPS AND JENNY READ-HEIMERDINGER In Chapter 15 of Acts, a point of critical importance for the growth of the Church and its relationship with Judaism is reached. Luke narrates the difficulty posed for Jewish Jesus-believers by the increasing number of Gentiles believers and the decision taken by the Church leaders in Jerusalem not to subject them to the usual conditions for proselytes. In the Bezan text, some conflict of opinion between Peter, Paul and Barnabas on the one hand, and James on the other is apparent, a tension that is attenuated in the Alexandrian text. Further conflict is also highlighted in Codex Bezae be- tween Paul and Barnabas who separate following the meeting in Jerusalem. Keywords: Acts, Western text, Codex Bezae, Paul, New Testament, Textual Criticism. Part Three II. The Judicial Review in Ierousalem. 14:28–15:41 The section is made up of four sequences, all concerned with the issue of the admission of Gentiles into the Church. The question is introduced in the opening sequence [A], which is set in Antioch. The action then transfers to Ierousalem [B], where the problem is examined in detail and a resolution decided upon. The corresponding sequence [B'] presents the application of the decision in Antioch. However, disagreement continues through to the final sequence [A'], still set in Antioch and still with the issue of the Gentiles as its underlying cause: [A] 14:28–15:2 Conflict over the tradition of Moses [B] 15:3-29 Examination of the case [B'] 15:30-35 The application of the decision [A'] 15:36-41 Conflict over John-Mark [A] 14:28–15:2 Conflict over the Tradition of Moses Paul and Barnabas remain in focus as the central characters. However, new characters arrive from Judaea and enter into the narrative, ones not Filología Neotestamentaria - Vol. XXIII - 2010, pp. 175-200 Facultad de Filosofía y Letras - Universidad de Córdoba (España)