²⁵ We have already sent a letter [^Lwith our judgment/decision] to the Gentile believers [^Cthe decision of the council of Jerusalem; 15:6–21]. The letter said: ‘Do not eat food that has been offered to idols, or blood, or animals that have been strangled. Do not take part in sexual sin [15:20].’”

²⁶ The next day Paul took the four men and shared in the ·cleansing ceremony [ritual purification] with them. Then he went to the Temple and announced the time when the days of the ·cleansing ceremony [ritual purification] would be finished and an ·offering [sacrifice] would be ·given [offered] for each of the men.

²⁷ When the seven days were almost over [^Cthe period of time for purification; Num. 19:12], some of ·his people [^Lthe Jews] from [^Cthe province of] Asia saw Paul at the Temple. They ·caused all the people to be upset [stirred up/incited the whole crowd] and grabbed Paul.