The Variant Readings of the Western Text of the Acts of the Apostles 193 the verb διατηρέω is used in the LXX with the preposition ἐκ (cf. Prov. 21:23), the meaning is ‘to keep out of trouble’. This sense is appropriate in referring to a list of wrong practices from which the Gentiles are being asked to refrain. In the D05 text, an injunction in the form of a traditional, general precept follows the list (see previous vl), and the relative pronoun ὧν thus refers to a more complex package than a list of wrongdoings. In this context, διατηρέω ἀπό has the sense of ‘keep away from’. B03 uses the indicative future of the verb πράσσω, D05 the aorist imperative. [B'] 15:30-35 The Application of the Decision The sequence corresponds to the previous one [B] in which the conditions for the entry of the Gentiles into the Church were decided. The elements of this brief sequence follow in rapid succession, all conjoined with δέ. The first three deal with the delivery of the letter from Jerusalem, which is received with muted satisfaction; in contrast, the oral ministry of Judas and Silas is wholly positive. The second three elements resolve the presence in Antioch of the people who had brought the letter: Judas and Silas, on the one hand, Paul and Barnabas on the other. [a] 15:30 Delivery of the letter to Antioch [b] 15:31 Rejoicing at the exhortation [c] 15:32 Judas and Silas exercise their gifts as prophets [c'] 15:33 The dismissal of Judas and Silas [b'] 15:34 Silas stays in Antioch, Judas returns [a'] 15:35 Paul and Barnabas stay on in Antioch Translation Codex Bezae D05 Codex Vaticanus B03 [a] 15:30 So the men, having been 15:30 So the men, having been sent sent off, went down to Antioch in off, went down to Antioch and, after a matter of days and, gathering gathering everyone together, they everyone together, they handed handed in the letter. in the letter. [b] 31 When they had read it, they 31 When they had read it, they rejoi- rejoiced at its exhortation. ced at its exhortation.