17
At length we reached Jerusalem, and there the brethren gave us a hearty welcome.
18
On the following day we went with Paul to call on James, and all the Elders of the Church came also.
19
After exchanging friendly greetings, Paul told in detail all that God had done among the Gentiles through his instrumentality.
20
And they, when they had heard his statement, gave the glory to God. Then they said, "You see, brother, how many tens of thousands of Jews there are among those who have accepted the faith, and they are all zealous upholders of the Law.
21
Now what they have been repeatedly told about you is that you teach all the Jews among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, and that you forbid them to circumcise their children or observe old-established customs.
22
What then ought you to do? They are sure to hear that you have come to Jerusalem;
23
so do this which we now tell you. We have four men here who have a vow resting on them.
24
Associate with these men and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses so that they can shave their heads. Then everybody will know that there is no truth in these stories about you, but that in your own actions you yourself scrupulously obey the Law.
25
But as for the Gentiles who have accepted the faith, we have communicated to them our decision that they are carefully to abstain from anything sacrificed to an idol, from blood, from what is strangled, and from fornication."
26
So Paul associated with the men; and the next day, having purified himself with them, he went into the Temple, giving every one to understand that the days of their purification were finished, and there he remained until the sacrifice for each of them was offered.
27
But, when the seven days were nearly over, the Jews from the province of Asia, having seen Paul in the Temple, set about rousing the fury of all the people against him.