James, the brother of the Lord, occupied a leading position in the early church (see 12.17; 15.13). From all indications, Peter and the other apostles were no longer in Jerusalem at this time. The expression see James must often be rendered as “to talk with James” or “to visit James.” It is not mere “seeing” which is involved.

The church elders are, of course, the leaders in the Jerusalem church.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .