BibleWord.ai› Bible› Acts› Chapter 21› Verse 18

Acts 21:18

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 21:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
Acts 21:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 21

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And after these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.
16And there went with us also [certain] of the disciples from Caesarea, bringing [with them] one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
17And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19And when he had saluted them, he rehearsed one by one the things which God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20And they, when they heard it, glorified God; and they said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of them that have believed; and they are all zealous for the law:
21and they have been informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs.
← Acts 21:17Acts 21:19 →
← Full Chapter 21 Acts Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the day following, etc.] After they were come into Jerusalem: Paul went in with us to James; not the son of Zebedee and brother of John, for he was killed by Herod some years ago; but James the son of Alphaeus, and brother of our Lord, who presided over this church; it seems there were no other apostles now at Jerusalem, but they were all dispersed abroad that were living, preaching the Gospel in the several parts of the world: Paul took the first opportunity Of paying a visit to James, very likely at his own house, to give him an account of his success among the Gentiles, and to know the state of the church at Jerusalem, and confer with him about what might be most proper and…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present--to "report himself" formally to the acknowledged head of the church at Jerusalem, and his associates in office. See on Act 15:13. Had any other of the apostles been in Jerusalem on that occasion, it could hardly fail to have been noted.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Unto James - James the Less. See the notes on Acts 15:13. He resided at Jerusalem. Compare Galatians 1:19. It is not improbable that he was the only one of the apostles then at Jerusalem; and there is reason to believe that the church at Jerusalem was left under his particular care. It was natural, therefore, that Paul and his companions should take an early opportunity to see him. James was the cousin of our Lord, and in Galatians 1:19 he is called the Lord’s brother. On all accounts, therefore, he was entitled to, and would receive, particular respect from the early disciples. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Paul went in with us - That it might appear we are all of one mind, to James - Commonly called the Lord's brother; the only apostle then presiding over the Churches in Judea. Acts 21:20”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“21:18-19 It was important for James and all the elders of the Jerusalem church to hear of Paul’s successful mission among the Gentiles and for the mother church to continue to endorse this effort (21:20; see 15:7-21). Paul’s report communicated that God had accomplished his purposes among the Gentiles through Paul’s ministry.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“unto: Act 15:13; Mat 10:2; Gal 1:19, Gal 2:9; Jam 1:1 all: Act 15:2, Act 15:6, Act 15:23, Act 20:17 Acts 21:19”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Acts 21 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification