Paul had already decided not to stop at Ephesus. He did not want to stay too long in Asia. {\cf2\super [399]} He was hurrying because he wanted to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost {\cf2\super [400]} if possible.
Acts 24:17 - Easy To Read Version “I was away \{from Jerusalem\} for many years. I went back there to bring money to my people and to give some offerings (gifts). Tuilleadh leaganachaKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition Now after several years I came up [to Jerusalem] to bring to my people contributions of charity and offerings. American Standard Version (1901) Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: Common English Bible After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring gifts for the poor of my nation and to offer sacrifices. Catholic Public Domain Version Then, after many years, I went to my nation, bringing alms and offerings and vows, Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, and vows. |
Paul had already decided not to stop at Ephesus. He did not want to stay too long in Asia. {\cf2\super [399]} He was hurrying because he wanted to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost {\cf2\super [400]} if possible.
So be careful! Always remember this: I was with you for three years. During this time, I never stopped warning you. I taught you night and day. I often cried for you.
So Paul took the four men with him. The next day, Paul shared in their cleansing (washing) ceremony. {\cf2\super [426]} Then he went to the temple {\cf2\super [427]} area. He announced the time when the days of the cleansing ceremony would be finished. On the last day an offering would be given for each of the men.
But Felix had another reason for talking with Paul. Felix hoped that Paul would pay him a bribe. {\cf2\super [473]} So Felix sent for Paul often and talked with him.
Pray that I will be saved from the non-believers in Judea. And pray that this help I bring to Jerusalem will please God’s people there.
So we asked Titus to help you finish this special work of grace (kindness). Titus is the one who started this work.
You know the grace (kindness) of our Lord Jesus Christ. You know that Christ was rich \{with God\}, but for you he became poor. Christ did this so that you could become rich by his becoming poor.
This service that you do helps the needs of God’s people. But that is not all your service does. It is also bringing more and more thanks to God.
They asked us to do only one thing—to remember to help the poor people. And this was something that I really wanted to do.