Paul Visits the Leaders of the Jerusalem Church

17 And when[fn] we came to Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly. 18 And on the next day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 And after[fn] greeting them, he began to relate[fn] one after the other[fn] the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when[fn] they heard this,[fn] they began to glorify[fn] God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many ten thousands there are among the Jews who have believed, and they are all zealous adherents of the law. 21 And they have been informed about you that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles the abandonment of Moses, telling them not to circumcise their[fn] children or to live according to our[fn] customs. 22 What then is to be done?[fn] Doubtless they will all hear that you have come! 23 Therefore do this that we tell you: we have[fn] four men who have taken a vow upon themselves.[fn] 24 Take these men and[fn] purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses[fn] so that they can shave their[fn] heads, and everyone will know that the things which they had been informed about you are nothing, but you yourself also agree with observing the law. 25 But concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter after[fn] deciding they should avoid food sacrificed to idols and blood and what has been strangled and sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took along the men on the next day, and[fn] after he[fn] had purified himself together with them, he entered into the temple courts,[fn] announcing the completion of the days of purification until the time[fn] the offering would be presented on behalf of each one of them.