Acts 21:17-26

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+21:17-26

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

21:18 James, Jesus' brother, was the leader of the Jerusalem church (15:13-21; Galatians 1:19; 2:9). He was called an apostle even though he wasn't one of the original 12 who followed Jesus.

21:21 The Jerusalem council (Acts 15) had settled the issue of circumcision of Gentile believers. Evidently there was a rumor that Paul had gone far beyond their decision, even forbidding Jews to circumcise their children. This, of course, was not true, and so Paul willingly submitted to Jewish custom to show that he was not working against the council's decision and that he was still Jewish in his life-style. Sometimes we must go the second mile to avoid offending others, especially when doing so would hinder God's work.

21:23, 24 Evidently these four men had made a religious vow. Because Paul was going to participate with them in the vow (apparently he was asked to pay for some of the expenses), he would need to take part in the purification ceremony for entering the temple (Numbers 6:9-20). Paul submitted himself to this Jewish custom to keep peace in the Jerusalem church. Although Paul was a man of strong convictions, he was willing to compromise on nonessential points, becoming all things to all people so that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Often a church is split over disagreements about minor issues or traditions. Like Paul, we should remain firm on Christian essentials but flexible on nonessentials. Of course, no one should violate his or her true convictions, but sometimes we need to exercise the gift of mutual submission for the sake of the gospel.

21:23, 24 There are two ways to think of the Jewish laws. Paul rejected one way and accepted the other. (1) Paul rejected the idea that the Old Testament laws bring salvation to those who keep them. Our salvation is freely given by God's gracious act. We receive salvation through faith. The laws are of no value for salvation except to show us our sin. (2) Paul accepted the view that the Old Testament laws prepare us for and teach us about the coming of Jesus Christ. Christ fulfilled the law and released us from its burden of guilt. But the law still teaches us many valuable principles and gives us guidelines for grateful living. Paul was not observing the laws in order to be saved. He was simply keeping the laws as custom to avoid offending those he wished to reach with the gospel (see Romans 3:21-31; 7:4-6; 13:9, 10). For more on the law, see Galatians 3:23-29, 4:21-31, and the chart in Galatians 3.

Well, it seems God is shining a light on the law this week so far. This scripture shows that Paul was obedient to the teachings of Moses and to Christ, God's Risen Son, who fulfilled the law. God gives order in life, not chaos. We can choose to provide evidences (like the purification rituals in these verses), but what speaks most is how we live each day--the truth of our everyday actions. Do we serve every day? Who are we serving? Choose this day whom you will serve...

Dear Jesus, You taught and showed us what a servant leader is like. Thank You for leading the way. You showed us the divine character that a servant leader has, and that we fail often to meet those divine requirements of the law. But You met them for us. You have offered to stand with us when we are judged, when we stand before You. Oh Lord, let us choose to stand with You today, in this chaotic world. Let us dwell in the peaceful order that You provide. Let us live in truth. Let us truly live. In Jesus' name and for His glory, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/_PyA04BBMe0

Have a blessed day.

Acts 21:17-26

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+21:17-26

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

21:18 James, Jesus' brother, was the leader of the Jerusalem church (15:13-21; Galatians 1:19; 2:9). He was called an apostle even though he wasn't one of the original 12 who followed Jesus.

21:21 The Jerusalem council (Acts 15) had settled the issue of circumcision of Gentile believers. Evidently there was a rumor that Paul had gone far beyond their decision, even forbidding Jews to circumcise their children. This, of course, was not true, and so Paul willingly submitted to Jewish custom to show that he was not working against the council's decision and that he was still Jewish in his life-style. Sometimes we must go the second mile to avoid offending others, especially when doing so would hinder God's work.

21:23, 24 Evidently these four men had made a religious vow. Because Paul was going to participate with them in the vow (apparently he was asked to pay for some of the expenses), he would need to take part in the purification ceremony for entering the temple (Numbers 6:9-20). Paul submitted himself to this Jewish custom to keep peace in the Jerusalem church. Although Paul was a man of strong convictions, he was willing to compromise on nonessential points, becoming all things to all people so that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Often a church is split over disagreements about minor issues or traditions. Like Paul, we should remain firm on Christian essentials but flexible on nonessentials. Of course, no one should violate his or her true convictions, but sometimes we need to exercise the gift of mutual submission for the sake of the gospel.

21:23, 24

Well, it seems God is shining a light on the law this week so far. This scripture shows that Paul was obedient to the teachings of Moses and to Christ, God's Risen Son, who fulfilled the law. God gives order in life, not chaos. We can choose to provide evidences (like the purification rituals in these verses), but what speaks most is how we live each day--the truth of our everyday actions. Do we serve every day? Who are we serving? Choose this day whom you will serve...

Dear Jesus, You taught and showed us what a servant leader is like. Thank You for leading the way. You showed us the divine character that a servant leader has, and that we fail often to meet those divine requirements of the law. But You met them for us. You have offered to stand with us when we are judged, when we stand before You. Oh Lord, let us choose to stand with You today, in this chaotic world. Let us dwell in the peaceful order that You provide. Let us live in truth. Let us truly live. In Jesus' name and for His glory, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/_PyA04BBMe0

Have a blessed day.

Acts 21:17-26

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+21:17-26

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

21:18 James, Jesus' brother, was the leader of the Jerusalem church (15:13-21; Galatians 1:19; 2:9). He was called an apostle even though he wasn't one of the original 12 who followed Jesus.

21:21 The Jerusalem council (Acts 15) had settled the issue of circumcision of Gentile believers. Evidently there was a rumor that Paul had gone far beyond their decision, even forbidding Jews to circumcise their children. This, of course, was not true, and so Paul willingly submitted to Jewish custom to show that he was not working against the council's decision and that he was still Jewish in his life-style. Sometimes we must go the second mile to avoid offending others, especially when doing so would hinder God's work.

21:23, 24

21:23, 24

Well, it seems God is shining a light on the law this week so far. This scripture shows that Paul was obedient to the teachings of Moses and to Christ, God's Risen Son, who fulfilled the law. God gives order in life, not chaos. We can choose to provide evidences (like the purification rituals in these verses), but what speaks most is how we live each day--the truth of our everyday actions. Do we serve every day? Who are we serving? Choose this day whom you will serve...

Dear Jesus, You taught and showed us what a servant leader is like. Thank You for leading the way. You showed us the divine character that a servant leader has, and that we fail often to meet those divine requirements of the law. But You met them for us. You have offered to stand with us when we are judged, when we stand before You. Oh Lord, let us choose to stand with You today, in this chaotic world. Let us dwell in the peaceful order that You provide. Let us live in truth. Let us truly live. In Jesus' name and for His glory, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/_PyA04BBMe0

Have a blessed day.

Acts 21:17-26

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+21:17-26

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

21:18 James, Jesus' brother, was the leader of the Jerusalem church (15:13-21; Galatians 1:19; 2:9). He was called an apostle even though he wasn't one of the original 12 who followed Jesus.

21:21

21:23, 24

21:23, 24

Well, it seems God is shining a light on the law this week so far. This scripture shows that Paul was obedient to the teachings of Moses and to Christ, God's Risen Son, who fulfilled the law. God gives order in life, not chaos. We can choose to provide evidences (like the purification rituals in these verses), but what speaks most is how we live each day--the truth of our everyday actions. Do we serve every day? Who are we serving? Choose this day whom you will serve...

Dear Jesus, You taught and showed us what a servant leader is like. Thank You for leading the way. You showed us the divine character that a servant leader has, and that we fail often to meet those divine requirements of the law. But You met them for us. You have offered to stand with us when we are judged, when we stand before You. Oh Lord, let us choose to stand with You today, in this chaotic world. Let us dwell in the peaceful order that You provide. Let us live in truth. Let us truly live. In Jesus' name and for His glory, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/_PyA04BBMe0

Have a blessed day.

Acts 21:17-26

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+21:17-26

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

Well, it seems God is shining a light on the law this week so far. This scripture shows that Paul was obedient to the teachings of Moses and to Christ, God's Risen Son, who fulfilled the law. God gives order in life, not chaos. We can choose to provide evidences (like the purification rituals in these verses), but what speaks most is how we live each day--the truth of our everyday actions. Do we serve every day? Who are we serving? Choose this day whom you will serve...

Dear Jesus, You taught and showed us what a servant leader is like. Thank You for leading the way. You showed us the divine character that a servant leader has, and that we fail often to meet those divine requirements of the law. But You met them for us. You have offered to stand with us when we are judged, when we stand before You. Oh Lord, let us choose to stand with You today, in this chaotic world. Let us dwell in the peaceful order that You provide. Let us live in truth. Let us truly live. In Jesus' name and for His glory, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/_PyA04BBMe0

Have a blessed day.