Acts 21:18

18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James. All the elders were there.

Acts 21:18 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 21:18

And the day following
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 serviceable to promote the interest of Christ; and he took with him those who had been companions with him in his travels, partly to show respect to James, and partly to be witnesses of what he should relate unto him:

and all the elders were present:
by whom are meant, not the ancient private members of the church, but the ministers of the word in this church: who hearing of the coming of the apostle, and of his visit to James, assembled together to see him, and converse with him.

Acts 21:18 In-Context

16 Some of the believers from Caesarea went with us. They brought us to Mnason's home. We were supposed to stay there. Mnason was from Cyprus. He was one of the first believers.

17 When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters gave us a warm welcome.

18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James. All the elders were there.

19 Paul greeted them. Then he reported everything God had done among the non-Jews through his work.

20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they spoke to Paul. "Brother," they said, "you see that thousands of Jews have become believers. All of them try very hard to obey the law.