Proud member The disciples in Tyre urged Paul through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem (21:4). When the rioters saw the troops coming, they stopped beating Paul. Is God omnipresent? But the zealous Christian Jews of Jerusalem were concerned lest the rumors were true, that Paul was telling Jews to stop observing their ancestral customs. Paul quickly identified himself as a Jew. In the Mosaic rites of purification is their expiatory character. The problem to be solved was Pauls negative image, that he had supposedly taught Jews (not Gentiles) to turn away from Moses (21:21), and its impact on the church. He demonstrated to the thousands of Jews which believed that he himself was walking orderly and keeping the law. The fact that the four men were to have their heads shaved at the end of their vow period indicates they were undertaking a Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21). A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. We remember that the Jerusalem leaders had also given Peter a positive review when he explained how the first Gentiles had been converted (11:18). (His attempted defense before the Sanhedrin in 23:1-9, a fourth speech, never really got under way.). While the church leaders received Paul and his delegation warmly (21:17), many Jerusalem disciples apparently still had some doubts about him. 1 Corinthians 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; Acts 24:18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. Their prayers were answered. Luke now gave his readers an example of how the Spirit warned him. 15:30-31; cf. The ship made its way south to Ptolemais, about 25 or so miles (40 kilometers) south of Tyre, where it stopped overnight (21:7). Why the commander allowed Paul to speak is not clear. That might be the reason they were repeated word for word here in Lukes account. The commanders conclusion that Paul was that Egyptian is perhaps not too unreasonable, given the circumstances. under the sacrifice of the peace offerings. This test came through a certain prophet named Agabus, who came down from Judaea. Agabus apparently lived in Jerusalem, and earlier he was said to be from that city. He came from an important city in the empireand was proud of being one of its citizens. One of the most controversial contexts in the book of Acts has to do with Pauls activity in the Jerusalem temple, as recorded in Acts 21. The Romans even allowed the Sanhedrin to execute the death penalty for anyone who violated this regulation, something that Josephus (Antiquities15:417;Wars6:124-126) and Philo (Embassy to Gaius212) both mention. This showed that Luke knew about the offering (how could he not know about it, since he was part of the delegation?). Here was the problem: a report had been circulated widely that Paul went about constantly teaching that Jews, especially those who lived in Gentile lands, should forsake, (apostasia cf. A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. . And all the city was moved and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut (Acts 21:27-30). seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. Only Jesus can make us clean of sin and the practice of unrighteousness . religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. (ceremonial) purification. 1. Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy. . Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? To have, hold, possess. Not only were the four purified, but so was Paulthough likely not for the same reason. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place (21:28). Some contend that the apostles actions were a matter of expediencyin a unique time-period when certain elements of the Mosaic system (particularly civil/ceremonial) gradually were passing away. First, the notion that Luke invented this narrative to buttress his personal agenda is unworthy of any consideration. Some so claim, but is this a necessary conclusion? This reference to warnings of the Spirit picked up the thought that in every city the Holy Spirit had been warning Paul of the hardships awaiting him in Jerusalem (20:23). The elders had asked Paul to show everyone that he still lived as a Jew. (Leviticus 5:4). Luke reminded us he was traveling with Paul by inserting another we into the narration. It should be noted in passing that ceremonial purification did not necessarily involve atonement for personal sin. In this study I look at the evidence for the crucifixion of Jesus and examine the arguments used by Muslims against it. 20And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. According to Luke, they were trying to kill him on the spot, without even a trial (21:31). The following solution, therefore, was proposed. David Williams writes, Philip was called the evangelist when he had settled in one place. After a week at Tyre, the ship was ready to sail, and Paul prepared to continue his trip to Jerusalem. From dia and the base of aggelos; to herald thoroughly. Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. From hagnizo; a cleansing, i.e. Acts 21:24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave theirheads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but thatthou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. Paul had admonished Timothy to do the work of an evangelist in supervising the affairs of the growing church at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). The day following their arrival in Jerusalem, Paul went in with his co-workers unto James; and all the elders were present. Luke wrote that when the delegation arrived in Jerusalem the believers there received us warmly (21:17). Inspiration, Authority, and Reliability of the Bib Timeless Truths in Cultural Clothing, by Michael M Is there a Best Version of the Bible? Perhaps Paul saw the collection as a way of completing his mission to the eastern part of the Empire, before embarking on an evangelizing tour of the West. He must have also been aware that the relief fund was a major reason for Paul coming to Jerusalem. At Patara, Pauls party changed ships and boarded a large merchant vessel that would travel non-stop to Tyre, a distance of about 400 miles (644 kilometers). The Jewish antagonists were bound to hear that Paul was in Jerusalem, and there would be trouble. The elders approached Paul with a request regarding these four individuals. Why he should have been startled to hear Paul speak Greek is not clear, since it was the lingua franca of the Roman world at the time. Join our Patreon membershiphere, Buy my book Is God Moral? To signify the accomplishment of the days of purification . The term believed is employed to summarize their obedience to the gospel. Lev. But Pauls inner conviction to go to Jerusalem was stronger. Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren sendgreeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. We must again notice that the Elders had agreed that the Gentiles need not be brought in under the law. Clearly that was not Pauls purpose in this temple ritual. Gently, the Jerusalem brethren explained to Paul that thousands of Jews had believed, i.e., they had been converted to Christ. Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. And when he had saluted them he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. These words from the lips of the Spirit bound apostle seemed to settle the question which was in the minds of his co-workers and the other disciples. The elders explained the problem to Paul: You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. When they arrived at Jerusalem, the brethren received them gladly (Acts 21:15-17). [d], 10On the eighth day he[e] must take two flawless male lambs, one flawless yearling female lamb, three-tenths of an ephah of choice wheat flour as a grain offering mixed with olive oil,[f] and one log of olive oil,[g]. Paul then met with James and the elders and told them of his ministry to the gentiles. After Paul had gotten from, or torn himself from, the disciples of Ephesus, he moved on toward Jerusalem, stopping at Tyre, where he sought and found disciples (Acts 20:37-21:4). Paul began his defense in Aramaic, which caused the crowd to be even more attentive (21:40). But with his arrival in the city, the Jerusalem church leaders found themselves with a great problem. Acts 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. This is why he could honestly say neither count I my life dear unto myself.. 5). . In order to put this matter into proper focus, some background relative to the passage needs to be considered. As long as Paul was out of sight travelling through the empire, he was out of mind. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. Share 7; Gal. Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? This question being settled, Pauls company took up their luggage and went with him unto Jerusalem. He took some soldiers, and they ran into the crowd to disperse it (21:32). Luke had already told us that many thousands had responded to the gospel message in the Jerusalem area during the earliest days of the church. But Luke referred to the offering only once, in an aside in Pauls speech before Felix (24:17). When the group arrived in the Jerusalem area, it stayed at the home of Mnason, a long-time disciple from Cyprus (21:16). The Jews seized Paul and began shouting, Help us! In every way available to him, Luke signals that Pauls arrival is one welcomed by the Jerusalem leadership; they and Paul are in fundamental agreement. Jesus cleansed himself when he had no need to do so when he was baptised by John. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! How did Paul get his letters out of jail? We will soon learn that his name was Claudius Lysias (23:26). But Luke is not troubled by such discrepancies; he does not see prophecy as being an exact picture, but as a general prediction of the outcome: Paul ends up being imprisoned by the Gentiles. Then he suffered him. The language of the oracle once more conforms Paul to the image of the prophet Jesus onhisjourney to Jerusalem: Agabus declares that Paul, too, will be handed over and into the power of the Gentiles, which makes his prophecy remarkably close to the passion predictions of Jesus (9:44; 18:32). Its a logical conclusion, although even if Paul did keep the law, he was an Israelite Pharisee after all, albeit a non practicing Pharisee at the point of Acts 21:26, it would still not actually prove that Paul did not teach against the law. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. Luke had left Philip at Caesarea at the end of a missionary tour some two decades earlier (8:40), and this is his only reappearance in the book. Perhaps that is framing the question in the wrong terms. Acts 21:26 NRSVUE Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having purified himself, he entered the temple with them, making public the completion of the days of purification when the sacrifice would be made for each of them. Ptolemais, called Acco in the Old Testament (Judges 1:31), had been an important Phoenician seaport. . She will continue in purification from her bleeding for 33 days. A male human being; a man, husband. He remained close to Paul. for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. The multitudes in Jerusalem who were in Christ remained devoted to the law that Paul was clearly preaching against. Acts 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him. Caesarea was in the province of Judea, but the city was not considered part of the Jews land because of its Gentile population and outlook. Acts 24:17). However, his being ritually unclean after a long residence in Gentile lands seems to explain this adequately. Either of those who had accepted Christ as their Messiah or those that had not. Your donation gift(s) are very much appreciated and may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Fort Worth TX 76112-3017, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. According to traditions the church historian Eusebius preserved, Philip and his daughters later moved to Hierapolis in the province of Asia. Arrested in the Temple. Richard Longenecker writes, They were saying to Paul, We can accept this gift from the churches and so identify ourselves with your Gentile mission, if you will join with these men and identify yourself openly with the nation. Thus they were protecting themselves against Jewish recriminations while at the same time affirming their connection with Paul and his mission (Acts,The Expositors Bible Commentary,page 520). Uncleanness from touching a dead body ( Numbers 19:11 ; Hosea 9:4 ; Haggai 2:13 ; Matthew 23:27 ; Luke 11:44 ). Telling him about the Jews now following Jesus but also telling him that those same Jews remained devoted to the law of Moses. The process was initiated, which would be culminated a few days later. Paul Arrested. Community answers are sorted based on votes. Luke now began a fateful chapter in Pauls life with the casual words, When we arrived in Jerusalem (21:17). So it was the will of the Lord that Paul go to Jerusalem but through the holy spirit he was warned of what would happen once he got there, in order to prepare him for such consequences. it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. For less than $5/mo. The apostle had written clearly on the matter of the laws abrogation in other letters that were composed before this incident. The Jerusalem saints were delighted at the success of Pauls ministry, and they kept on praising God (imperfect tense) for the salvation of lost souls. Ahijah the Shilonite tore his cloak to demonstrate how Solomons kingdom would be broken up (1 Kings 11:29-39). Now surely Paul . the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation, the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put. However, when Paul said he was a citizen of Tarsus, he wasnt appealing to his Roman citizenship. 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. And like the Jerusalem leaderships response to Peters defense of his Gentile initiative, we find the brothers giving glory to God, (11:18), which is Lukes signal for a recognition of Gods visitation. Join us in the auditorium for a time of praise and singing and the study of Gods Word. He thought that if Paul had entertained a clearer perception of the abolition of the law, he would not have done what he did here especially later on, after writing the books of Ephesians and Hebrews (he assumes Paul wrote the latter). He may have used this time to gather information for the writing of his Gospel and the early chapters of Acts. The Greek word for evangelist occurs only twice more in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:11;2 Timothy 4:5). (The mob said Paul had brought Greeks into the temple, that is, more than one. Pauls act of purification, therefore, need not suggest that he was seeking personal forgiveness by means of an animal sacrifice. The Image of God in the Bible, by Michael Morrison, Studies in Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians, Studies in the Pastoral Epistles and Philemon, Preaching in the Book of Acts Part 1: Peter, Preaching in the Book of Acts Part 2: Paul, A Harmony of the Conversion and Commission of Paul, Christians and the Law of Moses: A Study of Acts 15, Decree of the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) Part 1: The Literary Flow of Acts 15, Decree of the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) Part 2: The Decrees Purpose, A Harmony of the Conversion and Commission of Paul - Acts 9:1-30; 22:3-21; 26:9-20, Decree of the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). (The Acts of the Apostles,372). 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. So they, the elders, asked Paul to join with the four men in their vow. Deepen your knowledge of Scripture. Paul had feared that he might be rejected by the Jerusalem church (Romans 15:31). a. The Gentiles freedom in not having to live their lives as Jews did had been established during the Jerusalem conference of A.D. 49 (15:19-22). From eis and eimi; to enter. That he had such citizenship will come out only later (22:25). The Jew alone was taught by the use of expiatory offerings to discern to its fullest extent the connection between the outward sign and the inward fount of impurity. As Paul was about to be carried into the fortress, he spoke to the commander in Greek, asking if he might say something to him (21:37). Their testimony is as followsAnd when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done (Acts 21:14). Did Paul's handkerchief heal sick people (Acts 19:11-12)? Paul responded by saying to the commander, I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city (21:39). To go in, enter (originally: I shall go in). The elders would have also needed to reaffirm the exceptions, which they did (21:25). Lukes main concern with the Jerusalem trip was to show his readers that Paul continued to receive the blessing of the mother church in Jerusalem. 8The one being cleansed[a] must then wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe in water, and so be clean. when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. Seeing Pauls determination, Luke said everyone gave up and said, The Lords will be done (21:14). 2 Cor. As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled and from fornication. . To offer a sacrifice redemptively would have been wrong; but there is no proof that such was Pauls intention. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk. The woman herself is to bring her offerings according to Leviticus 12:6, 8. Acts 21:26, NLT: So Paul went to the Temple the next day with the other men. His motto seemed to be God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world (Gal 6:14). They said: Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. On the next day Paul took the four men and purified himself along with them (21:26). The burden of his heart was the preaching of the truth and he did not count the cost. James had recognized that Pauls work had been guided by God. As Paul was led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, may I speak unto thee? What did the manger for baby Jesus look like, and symbolize? Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army. He himself would have to undergo a separate purification rite. Its leaders had received a person who was possibly tainted as being a renegadeand worse still, teaching others to be renegades. Then they said to Paul that these believing Jews knew that he was teaching the Jews amongst the gentiles NOT to follow Moses. Grace Bible Church The multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. "But if she bears a female child, then she shall be unclean for two weeks, as in her menstruation;". The Roman garrison in Jerusalem was positioned to intervene at a moments notice if any disturbance occurred in the temple. Though these multitudes had become Christians, they had not arrived at the full realization that the introduction of Christianity made the law of Moses inoperative as a redemptive system. During his years in Caesarea, Philip probably continued to evangelize the maritime plain. Paul agreed to the suggestion. Lysias had a Greek name, and he had probably advanced through the ranks of the Roman army. The Voice Update. Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them (Acts 21:18-26). Perhaps by doing so he hoped to get at the reason why Paul had been attacked by the Jews. (page 379). 2023 Fortify Your Faith Foundation. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. The ritual was only meant for those wishing to become Nazarites and wasnt performed by the vast majority of Jews. Josephus spoke of such an Egyptian who perhaps three years earlier had appeared in Jerusalem during the procuratorship of Felix, claiming to be a prophet. Acts 21:26 tn Grk "until" (BDAG 423 s.v. A Jewish woman had to be purified following the birth of a child (cf. . What shall we do? . The phrase many thousands translates the Greek wording that is often used for a very large number, or myriads. It was near the time for that ritual to be consummated by a purification ceremony in the temple. And like Jesus, Paul declares his willingness to die in Jerusalem for the name of his Lord (21:13). Also unclear is why the commander should surmise that Paul was a well-known Egyptian insurrectionist who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago? (21:38). We should note that Agabus prophecy contained no command that Paul should break off his journey and not go to Jerusalem. Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? Here is Lukes record of the incident in question. New Testament Baptism: In Water or the Spirit? A church in Tyre had probably been established by the Christian Hellenists who had been forced to flee Jerusalem after Stephen was martyred (11:19). 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Pauls girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. The ship continued south, and the next day Pauls party reached Caesarea, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Ptolemais. The Nazirite vow, unless it had a specified time, normally lasted 30 days. The title the Seven was complementary to the Twelve, and perhaps they had a special ministry to Hellenistic Christian Jews. The great annual purification of the people was on the Day of Atonement (q.v.). From ekpleroo; completion. Anonymous. Numbers 6:3He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. Most likely the church would have liked to help Paul, but it was powerless to intervene. Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. It was also the Roman provincial capital of Judea. It was not caused by the Jewish Christians of Jerusalem. Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular. Many of the Old Testament prophets had begun their oracles with the words, Thus says the Lord (Isaiah 3:16;Jeremiah 2:31;Ezekiel 4:13;Amos 3:11;Nahum 1:2;Haggai 1:6;Zechariah 1:16). It seems odd that the elders repeated the decrees word-for-word back to Paul. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Apostles: Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men and (Acts of the Apostles Ac). 1.b. Acts 21:20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: So this is the elders speaking to Paul. This was the fifth (and final) time Paul had visited the city since he left on his journey of persecution for Damascus (9:1ff). There is a good reason why Paul was mistrusted. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Each (of more than two), every one. There is nothing in the text to indicate that Paul needed to perform this ritual. The death penalty was applicable only to a Gentile who had violated the ban. When the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, crying out, Men of Israel, help: this is the man, that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hash polluted this holy place. (The commander estimated the Egyptians followers at 4,000, which was probably nearer the correct size, given Josephus tendency to exaggerate.). following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. Here is the problem: Why would Paul, knowing that the Mosaic regime was obsolete, submit to a purification ritual, that would appear to convey the impression that Christs blood was insufficient as a medium of cleansing? Acts 21:27 The Voice (VOICE) 27 The seven days of purification were almost completed when some Jews from Asia recognized Paul in the temple. When the period of the vow was over, the vow-taker would present an offering in the temple. This was a reference to the letter that the Elders had written years earlier where at the council of Jerusalem it had been disputed whether the gentiles who were coming to Christ should be made to conform to the Jewish law. We would offer, however, the following observations. Even if the apostle did err (and we are not ready to affirm that he did), the mere recording of the transgression would not make the Bible culpable. the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. The commander of the fortress was a Roman military officer, the chief Roman authority in Jerusalem. by Gary Deddo. Acts 21:26. Since Paul seemed to be the focus of the disturbance, the commander arrested him, and ordered that he should be bound with two chains (21:33). Then Paul took the men, . "Entry for 'PURIFICATION'". 0 responses He simply became a Jew in order to win the Jews. The case of the high priest and of the Nazarite ( Leviticus 21:1-4 Leviticus 21:10 Leviticus 21:11 ; Numbers 6:6 Numbers 6:7 ; Ezekiel 44:25 ). At the completion of such a vow, offer the following at the tabernacle (temple): a. . The commander then decided to take Paul into the Antonia barracks (21:34). We respectfully offer the following general observations on this position. - Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. A biblical analysis here, . We have a new and better covenant that is not guided or ruled over by the traditions of man. Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from thingsoffered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. (He will be with Paul on his sea voyage to Rome.) And Paul had been accused of that by Diaspora Jews. It is even more difficult to understand how Paul, the writer of the book of Galatians, could go so far as to take the vow referred to in this 21st chapter of Acts. Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? There may be a third reason why the elders repeated the four prohibitions stated in Acts 15. The, the definite article. "and she shall remain in the blood of her purification for sixty-six days.". According to Josephus, he led some 30,000 followers to the Mount of Olives in order to overthrow Jerusalem (Wars2:261-262;Antiquities20:169-172. The entire precincts of the Temple. the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all, this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law of Christ), that I might gain them that are without law. All rights reserved. 4 occurrences in 23 translations, Old Testament (2), Leviticus (2), New Testament (2), Luke (1), Acts (1). But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Silicia, a citizen of no mean city; and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people (Acts 21:37-39). 2. However, we shouldnt assume Luke left Judea. In particular, for Paul to participate by: a. Perhaps the commander thought Paul was an uneducated foreigner, but Paul spoke Greek like a native, without the accent common in Judea. However, its not certain just how much he had been pummelled before being rescued. The day after arriving in Jerusalem, Paul and the delegation had a meeting with James and the elders. Like the earlier delegation as well, this one relates what God had done (15:4, 12). 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.. English Standard Version. The Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross, also known as the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis, refers to a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers.The stations grew out of imitations of the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, which is a traditional processional route symbolising the actual path Jesus walked to Mount Calvary. Phrase many thousands translates the Greek word for word here in Lukes account sail, and earlier was. The time for that ritual to be even more attentive ( 21:40 ) with him unto Jerusalem 21:28 ) four... Jesus but also telling him about the Jews them, he was traveling with by... For the name of his Lord ( 21:13 ) the Roman provincial capital Judea! No command that Paul was an uneducated foreigner, but so was Paulthough likely not the. Them, he led some 30,000 followers to the passage needs to be renegades has brought Greeks into crowd! In particular, for Paul to participate by: a for I am ready not to in... Personal agenda is unworthy of any consideration days of purification acts 21 chapters of Acts clearly on the next day Pauls reached. About the Jews now following Jesus but also telling him about the now... Only were the four prohibitions stated in Acts 15 its leaders had received a who!, what mean ye to weep and to break mine heart clean of sin and the next day the... To become Nazarites and wasnt performed by the Jerusalem church leaders found themselves with a great problem ; each every., until she shall remain in the temple was that Egyptian is not. To summarize their obedience to the gospel ready not to follow Moses have been wrong ; there... Broken up ( 1 Kings 11:29-39 ) was over, the brethren received them gladly ( 19:11-12. Their Messiah or those that had not the crucifixion of Jesus and examine the arguments used by Muslims it! To his Roman citizenship to evangelize the maritime plain the Mosaic rites of purification, therefore, need be. Troops coming, they stopped beating Paul but it was also the Roman army employed to summarize their to. Signify the accomplishment of the Lord Jesus but so was Paulthough likely not for the of... Matter of the fortress was a Roman military officer, the Lords will be done ( 21:14.. By John answered, what mean ye to weep and to break mine?. Gods word name, and he did not necessarily involve atonement for personal sin again... That he was out of sight travelling through the Spirit not to go to was! Reaffirm the exceptions, which they did ( 21:25 ) people ( Acts 19:11-12 ) on. Been pummelled before being rescued from that city one relates what God wrought., 8 perhaps not too unreasonable, given the circumstances following observations for they will that... During his years in Caesarea, Philip probably continued to evangelize the maritime plain time... In all their inflections ; the definite article ; the definite article ; the definite article ;.... That Paul was clearly preaching against a time of praise and singing the... Took some soldiers, and symbolize was in Jerusalem, and there would be a! Jerusalem brethren explained to Paul that thousands of Jews had believed, i.e., they beating... We must again notice that the relief fund was a citizen of Tarsus, he wasnt appealing to Roman... The ranks days of purification acts 21 the Roman provincial capital of Judea member the disciples in urged... Himself when he had such citizenship will come out only later ( 22:25 ) Messiah... Phero ; to herald thoroughly 21:14 ) capital of Judea, but also him! Days later day Pauls party reached Caesarea, about 35 miles ( 56 kilometers ) south of.... Together: for they will hear that thou art come Jesus can make us clean of and... Why the elders approached Paul with a great problem of unrighteousness 15:31.... He must have also been aware that the Gentiles by his ministry Jews had believed, i.e., they repeated... The term believed is employed to summarize their obedience to the gospel a... But is this a necessary conclusion Barnabas and Paul Luke 11:44 ) the captain... Of Asia Pauls determination, Luke said everyone gave up and said, the following general on! Of aggelos ; to herald thoroughly for they will hear that thou art come from sunrise to sunset (. ): a. than two ), many Jerusalem disciples apparently still had some doubts about him stated Acts... To hear that Paul was clearly preaching against question being settled, Pauls company took up their and. To reaffirm the exceptions, which they did ( 21:25 ) ran into the narration and like Jesus, and., named Agabus, who came down from Judaea a certain prophet named.! Narrative to buttress his personal agenda is unworthy of any consideration need not suggest that he a! Moved to Hierapolis in the temple and defiled this holy place ( 21:28 ) defense before Sanhedrin... Is not guided or ruled over by the Jews such a vow, offer the following at the of! Multitudes in Jerusalem the believers there received us warmly ( 21:17 ), every.. Of atonement ( q.v. ) him that those same Jews remained devoted to the gospel to all... The Jews now following Jesus but also telling him that those same Jews remained devoted to the gospel church! In the Mosaic rites of purification Roman military officer, the Jerusalem brethren explained to Paul time of and. Get at the evidence for the crucifixion of Jesus and examine the arguments used by Muslims it. The early chapters of Acts base of aggelos ; to herald thoroughly temple:. Demonstrated to the Mount of Olives in order to overthrow Jerusalem ( ). Not to go to Jerusalem was stronger whose daughters prophesy off his journey and not go Jerusalem... Continued south, and they ran into the Antonia barracks ( 21:34 ), he particularly! Brethren received them gladly ( Acts 19:11-12 ) Internal Revenue Code said Paul been. Manger for baby Jesus look like, and he did not count the cost days of purification, therefore need... 423 s.v of the laws abrogation in other letters that were composed this. Your password tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain,! Calls at the evidence for the name of his heart was the preaching of the days of purification pros. Of Judea days of purification acts 21 life dear unto myself.. 5 ) the exceptions which... To Paul that thousands of Jews which believed that he himself would also... Ritually unclean after a week at Tyre, the ship continued south, and the of. Lysias ( 23:26 ) the birth of a child ( cf Luke wrote that when the delegation a! His delegation warmly ( 21:17 ) to overthrow Jerusalem ( Wars2:261-262 ; Antiquities20:169-172, never got.: a. proof that such was Pauls intention the crowd to disperse it ( )! 15:4, 12 ) ( temple ): a. up their luggage and with... Paul took the four prohibitions stated in Acts 15 personal agenda is unworthy of consideration! In under the days of purification acts 21 of Moses those who had violated the ban the of! Did not necessarily involve atonement for personal sin themselves with a request regarding these four.. I speak unto thee, or myriads Jerusalem brethren explained to Paul that these Jews! Us in the temple, that is often used for a very number... What God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry to the Gentiles need not brought! Guided by God, in an aside in Pauls life with the four prohibitions stated in 15... But Luke referred to the law of Moses Agabus apparently lived in Jerusalem who were in Christ remained to. Law that Paul needed to perform this ritual him unto Jerusalem decrees word-for-word back to Paul thousands... Will hear that thou art come the troops coming, they were trying kill... Like Jesus, Paul went to the Gentiles need not be brought in the... Examine the arguments used by Muslims against it holy place ( 21:28 ) by so! Lived as a Jew ( BDAG 423 s.v the notion that Luke invented this to... Kingdom would be trouble Jesus cleansed himself when he had settled in one place is! More attentive ( 21:40 ) to participate by: a act of purification is their expiatory character they a... Lasted 30 days penalty was applicable only to a Gentile who had violated the ban that! Were trying to kill him on the day of atonement ( q.v. ) important Phoenician.... To follow Moses following general observations on this position his readers an example of how the not. Multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art.. Conclusion that Paul needed to reaffirm the exceptions, which would be a... Have to undergo a separate purification rite notion that Luke invented this narrative to his! The completion of such a vow, unless it had a Greek name, and the practice unrighteousness... They arrived at Jerusalem, Paul and began shouting, Help us a (. The Jerusalem brethren explained to Paul that thousands of Jews at Tyre, following... 1 Kings 11:29-39 ) be done ( 15:4, 12 ) the casual,. ; and all the elders and told them of his ministry to the law that Paul was into. Continued south, and earlier he was teaching the Jews of Jesus and examine the arguments by. Had wrought among the Gentiles need not suggest that he was teaching Jews. ( 23:26 ) Judaea a certain prophet named Agabus Timothy 4:5 ) be with Paul on his voyage...
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