15
After that, we got ready to go to Jerusalem.
16
Some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us. They took us to Mnason's home, where we would be staying. Mnason was from the island of Cyprus and was one of the first disciples.
17
When we arrived in Jerusalem, the believers welcomed us warmly.
18
The next day Paul went with us to visit James. All the spiritual leaders were present.
19
After greeting them, Paul related everything God had done through his work with non-Jewish people.
20
When the spiritual leaders heard about everything, they praised God. They said to Paul, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews are now believers, and all of them are deeply committed to Moses' Teachings.
21
But they have been told that you teach all the Jews living among non-Jewish people to abandon Moses. They claim that you tell them not to circumcise their children or follow Jewish customs.
22
What should we do about this? They will certainly hear that you're in town.
23
So follow our advice. We have four men who have made a vow to God.
24
Take these men, go through the purification ceremony with them, and pay the expenses to shave their heads. Then everyone will know that what they've been told about you isn't true. Instead, they'll see that you carefully follow Moses' Teachings.
25
"[To clarify this matter,] we have written non-Jewish believers a letter with our decision. We told them that they should not eat food sacrificed to false gods, bloody meat, or the meat of strangled animals. They also should not commit sexual sins."