Conflict over the Gentile Mission
15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
16
Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us and brought us to Mnason, a Cypriot and an early disciple, with whom we were to stay.
17
When we reached Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly.
18
The following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
19
After greeting them, he related one by one what God did among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20
When they heard it, they glorified God and said, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.
21
But they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, by telling them not to circumcise their children or to walk in our customs.
22
So what is to be done? They will certainly hear that you've come.
23
Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have obligated themselves with a vow.
24
Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay for them to get their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that what they were told about you amounts to nothing, but that you yourself are also careful about observing the law.
25
With regard to the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter containing our decision that they should keep themselves from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality."