“Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation,
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.
- BSB After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.
- 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 — which very thing I was also zealous to do.
- Rom 15:25–28But now, I say, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.
- 1 Cor 16:1–4Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.
- Acts 11:29–30As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea;
- 2 Cor 8:1–4Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies 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, that you through his poverty might become rich.
- Acts 20:16For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
- Rom 15:31that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints;
- 2 Cor 9:1–2It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,
- 2 Cor 9:12For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to God;
- Acts 21:26Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.
- Acts 20:31Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone 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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