Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
Parallel translations
- WEB Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
- BSB After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present 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 2:10Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
- Rom 15:25–28But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
- 1 Cor 16:1–4Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
- Acts 11:29–30Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
- 2 Cor 8:1–4Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
- 2 Cor 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
- Acts 20:16For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
- Rom 15:31That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
- 2 Cor 9:1–2For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
- 2 Cor 9:12For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
- Acts 21:26Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
- Acts 20:31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
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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.
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Original language
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