Acts 21:18
What does Acts 21:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:18 means
The next day Paul, with his team, meets James and all the elders. This is a gathering of the Jerusalem church’s recognized leaders. Paul submits himself to their fellowship and counsel, not as a subordinate in rank but as a partner in the same gospel. James, known for wisdom and care for Jewish believers, will guide a path of peace. The presence of “all the elders” indicates that what follows is not a private opinion but the considered approach of the leadership. Paul’s willingness to engage them shows his commitment to unity and transparency in matters that touch both Jewish and Gentile believers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And on the day after, Paul went with us to James, and all the rulers of the church were present.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and on the morrow Paul was going in with us unto James, all the elders also came,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the day following, Paul went in with us unto James: and all the ancients were assembled.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And on the morrow Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders came there.
Context
Following the warm reception of verse 17, verse 18 initiates formal discussions. Paul’s report in verse 19 will celebrate God’s work among the Gentiles. The elders’ response in verse 20 will both glorify God and acknowledge the sensitivities of many Jewish believers. Verses 21–24 will lay out the problem—rumors about Paul—and propose a careful public action to address it. The scene sets the stage for attempts at reconciliation that, despite good intentions, will be overtaken by outside hostility (verses 27–36).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 15:23
and they wrote thus by them, The apostles and the elders, brethren, unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting:
- James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting.
- Matthew 10:2
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James thesonof Zebedee, and John his brother;
- Acts 15:2
And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and questioning with them, the brethren appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
- Acts 20:17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.
- Acts 15:13
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken unto me:
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