• Acts 21:18
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 18 τῇ To the δὲ but ἐπιούσῃ succeeding [day] εἰσῄει had gone in ὁ the Παῦλος Paul σὺν together with ἡμῖν us πρὸς toward Ἰάκωβον, James, πάντες all τε and παρεγένοντο came to be alongside οἱ the πρεσβύτεροι. older men.

  • Acts Study Notes—Chapter 21
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 21:18

      James: Likely referring to Jesus’ half brother and the James mentioned at Ac 12:17; 15:13.​—See study notes on Mt 13:55; Ac 12:17; 15:13.

      and all the elders: See study notes on Ac 15:2; 16:4. None of the apostles are mentioned in connection with this meeting that took place in 56 C.E. The Bible does not explain why. However, regarding that time leading up to Jerusalem’s destruction, the historian Eusebius (born about 260 C.E.) said: “The remaining apostles, in constant danger from murderous plots, were driven out of Judea. But to teach their message they travelled into every land in the power of Christ.” (The Ecclesiastical History, Book III, V, v. 2) Although Eusebius’ words are not part of the inspired record, they do harmonize with what the Bible says. For example, by 62 C.E., Peter was in Babylon​—far from Jerusalem. (1Pe 5:13) However, James the brother of Jesus was still in Jerusalem, likely presiding at this meeting when “all the elders were present” with Paul.