After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.
Parallel translations
- WEB Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
- KJV Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
- NKJV “Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation,
- NASB Now after several years I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings,
- NLT “After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul explains he had come to Jerusalem after years away to bring charitable gifts and offerings to his people. His purpose was generosity and worship, not agitation.
Overview
This is the New Testament's clearest reference to the collection Paul gathered from Gentile churches for the poor believers in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4). Far from disturbing the peace, he came on an errand of mercy and devotion. His benevolence embodies the gospel's call to love, uniting Jew and Gentile in Christ through practical care for one another.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- Gal 2:10They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
- Rom 15:25–28Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there.
- 1 Cor 16:1–4Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:
- Acts 11:29–30So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
- 2 Cor 8:1–4Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.
- 2 Cor 8:9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
- Acts 20:16Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.
- Rom 15:31Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,
- 2 Cor 9:1–2Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.
- 2 Cor 9:12For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
- Acts 21:26So the next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he entered the temple to give notice of the date when their purification would be complete and the offering would be made for each of them.
- Acts 20:31Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 24:17 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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