Acts 24:17 Cross References

Acts 24:17

17: "After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God.

The only thing they suggested was that we remember to help the poor, and I have certainly been eager to do that.

But before I come, I must go down to Jerusalem to take a gift to the Christians there.
For you see, the believers in Greece have eagerly taken up an offering for the Christians in Jerusalem, who are going through such hard times.
They were very glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the wonderful spiritual blessings of the Good News from the Jewish Christians, they feel the least they can do in return is help them financially.
As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain.

So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could.
This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.

Now I want to tell you, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done for the churches in Macedonia.
Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity.
For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will.
They begged us again and again for the gracious privilege of sharing in the gift for the Christians in Jerusalem.

Paul had decided against stopping at Ephesus this time because he didn't want to spend further time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, for the Festival of Pentecost.

Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the Christians there will be willing to accept the donation I am bringing them.

You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was. Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

I really don't need to write to you about this gift for the Christians in Jerusalem.
For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to our friends in Macedonia that you Christians in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of them to begin helping.

Now about the money being collected for the Christians in Jerusalem: You should follow the same procedures I gave to the churches in Galatia.
On every Lord's Day, each of you should put aside some amount of money in relation to what you have earned and save it for this offering. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.
When I come I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.
And if it seems appropriate for me also to go along, then we can travel together.

So Paul agreed to their request, and the next day he went through the purification ritual with the men and went to the Temple. Then he publicly announced the date when their vows would end and sacrifices would be offered for each of them.

Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you--my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

So two good things will happen--the needs of the Christians in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanksgiving to God.

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