2 Cor. What does the Bible say? (:5) For a Female Child. . Given Lukes tendency for trying to show that Pauls Gentile mission and the Jerusalem church marched together, it seems odd that he would not discuss the offering. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. "THE BOOK OF ACTS" Paul's Perplexing Purification (21:17-26) . Fare ye well. 23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; 24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. Paul and a delegation from Antioch had earlier met with Christians in Phoenicia (and presumably in Tyre) on their way to the Jerusalem council (15:3). But Pauls inner conviction to go to Jerusalem was stronger. Then they said to Paul that these believing Jews knew that he was teaching the Jews amongst the gentiles NOT to follow Moses. Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular. Acts 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. Acts 21:26, NASB: Then Paul took along the men, and the next day, after purifying himself together with them, he went into the temple giving notice of the completion of the days of purification, until the sacrifice was offered for each one of them. The ship made its way south to Ptolemais, about 25 or so miles (40 kilometers) south of Tyre, where it stopped overnight (21:7). Then he suffered him. 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. The Lord saw to it that Paul did not remain in the Jerusalem temple until an offering was offered for him. The commander tried to ascertain what Paul had done to cause such a riot. holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine. How did Lucifer get his inclination to become prideful and act on his desire to sin? In the absence of more conclusive information, it is unwise to accuse Paul of compromise or sin. And they entered the temple to give notice when the days of purification (the ending of each vow) would be fulfilled and the usual offering could be presented . If the apostle could circumcise Timothy as an expediency, with no design of associating the ritual with salvation (as was sometimes done Acts 15:1), why could he not have done the same with reference to a sacrifice? Orr, James, M.A., D.D. A sacrifice for sin under the law of Moses would only be required if the Nazarite was unclean at the time he was taking the vow. During the period of the vow, the confessor would abstain from wine and strong drink, from any defiling contacts such as with a dead body, and would not cut his hair. 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). Leviticus 12:4 - She will continue in purification from her bleeding for 33 days. where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued; and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people. We would offer, however, the following observations. In this study I look at who killed Goliath. Acts 21:26 tn Grk "until" (BDAG 423 s.v. Most of this series was written by Paul Kroll, a journalist working for Grace Communion International. Paul agreed to take part in this ritual purification because he knew that it was not a matter of salvation. The day after arriving in Jerusalem, Paul and the delegation had a meeting with James and the elders. As Jesus himself attested to when he said that Moses wrote of him. When they arrived at Jerusalem, the brethren received them gladly (Acts 21:15-17). The troops could rush down and quickly quell any disturbance, and this is what probably saved Pauls life. He would have been directly responsible to the procurator at Caesarea. This test came through a certain prophet named Agabus, who came down from Judaea. The idea of uncleanness was not peculiar to the Jew; but with all other nations simple ablution sufficed: no sacrifices were demanded. We should note that Agabus prophecy contained no command that Paul should break off his journey and not go to Jerusalem. Luke Johnson writes. The apostle had written clearly on the matter of the laws abrogation in other letters that were composed before this incident. He could go to Jerusalem or not. He remained close to Paul. The elders knew that the Jews would want to come together and see Paul. Luke reminded us he was traveling with Paul by inserting another we into the narration. 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. Not only were the four purified, but so was Paulthough likely not for the same reason. Philip was called an evangelist (21:8). General Editor. 5:2ff). Telling him about the Jews now following Jesus but also telling him that those same Jews remained devoted to the law of Moses. 0 responses Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? ), but since in English it is somewhat awkward to say "the completion of the days of purification, until the sacrifice would be offered," the temporal clause was translated "when the sacrifice . Clarify Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? said Paul, I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (21:13). Cups and pots and brazen vessels were washed as a matter of ritual observance. We know and understand that Yeshua wants a bride who is white as snow, spotless and without a blemish. If Paul is indicted of sin, so are James and the Jerusalem elders, for they asked him to do what he did. He demonstrated to the thousands of Jews which believed that he himself was walking orderly and keeping the law. There were four Hebrew men who had placed themselves under a vow (likely a Nazarite vow). 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. Luke wanted his readers to know that Pauls work, no less than Peters, had been accepted by the mother church as divinely inspired. The following solution, therefore, was proposed. 2:11ff), one ought to be very careful in charging Paul with an overt sin in the absence of explicit testimony. Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy. All rights reserved. They had no intention of going back on their previous ruling. 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. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural. Acts 21:26 Context. There may have been a greater good (the unity of Jew/Gentile relations) to be accomplished in this case, than whatever negative impressions might have resulted from Pauls offering of a sacrifice. The burden of his heart was the preaching of the truth and he did not count the cost. Now surely Paul . Paul greeted the brethren and then, item-by-item, rehearsed (imperfect tense the narration took a while!) 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). Isaiah walked about naked and barefoot to demonstrate how the Assyrians would humiliate the Egyptians and take them captive (20:2-4). The four in Acts 21:24, 26-27 were in need of purification, perhaps due to corpse defilement which necessitated the seven-day purification ritual described in Num 19:1-13 (cf. In the same way that Paul purified himself even though he had no need to do so. Community answers are sorted based on votes. Paul then met with James and the elders and told them of his ministry to the gentiles. A much stronger test, along this same line, came to the apostle when he and his company came unto Caesarea where they tarried for many days in the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven mentioned inActs 6. thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. To go in, enter (originally: I shall go in). But quite the opposite had happened; he had been accepted. At the time that. In the final analysis, I must say this. InActs 20:16, we are told that he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. He also said, and now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me (Acts 20:22-23). Skin parameters were measured before and 30 days after the series of treatment. How did Paul get his letters out of jail? This position has an obvious weakness. Again it is then again stated of Paul that he taught against the keeping of the law. For less than $5/mo. But Paul was adamant that he was going to Jerusalem and would not only be willing to be bound for the name of the Lord but he was willing to die for it. Does Jesus forgiving sins mean that he is God? Some suggest the event never happened; it is alleged that Luke fabricated the incident in order to show that Paul was a law-abiding Jew. On the other hand, neither did Agabus tell Paul to continue his journey to fulfill some purpose of God. The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.''. Luke here identified Philip as one of the Seven (21:8). Arrested in the Temple. the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. . Since the men's purification takes seven days (Acts 21:27), some scholars think this is a resetthe difference between eight and seven days may be because Luke counts days in the Greek way and not the Hebrew way. A series of four treatments was performed at 14-day intervals in both groups. We will soon learn that his name was Claudius Lysias (23:26). 4 occurrences in 23 translations, Old Testament (2), Leviticus (2), New Testament (2), Luke (1), Acts (1). The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Luke summarized Pauls report as being positively received, saying, When they heard this, they praised God (21:20). One of these Greek notices was found by C.S. 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; and they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after their customs. take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave, heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but. Is it wrong to use our own supplies or money to advance Jesus mission? b. Paul humbled himself to do these things because, as he admitted himself, he would sacrifice . Did Paul sin when he purified himself in the Jerusalem temple, according to the record in Acts 21?. Jesus was not baptised through need but to fulfill righteousness. This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. Their testimony is as followsAnd when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done (Acts 21:14). The Greek word for evangelist occurs only twice more in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:11;2 Timothy 4:5). 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). 2019 Grace Bible Church of Fort Worth, Inc. Paul also asked the commander for permission to speak to the people, which he received. They apparently had concluded that Paul opposed any sort of connection with the Hebrew system, which was not true. 21. If you liked this study please subscribe here , Inspiration, Authority, and Reliability of the Bib Timeless Truths in Cultural Clothing, by Michael M Is there a Best Version of the Bible? get to know the Bible better! Paul was at one with the rest of the Jewish Christian element of the church. He knew them thoroughly, having been a major player at the conference. Acts 21:26 Context . The minute details of the whole process are not recorded. The Voice Bible Copyright 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. He would have also taken care of the offering to be made by each of the four men. seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. All content appearing on this site is owned and maintained by the Fortify Your Faith Foundation, a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. A prophet by the name of Ababus told that Paul would be bound by the Jews and handed over to the the Gentiles, in this case the Gentiles being the Romans. James and the elders glorified the Lord. This showed that Luke knew about the offering (how could he not know about it, since he was part of the delegation?). Associate with oneself; by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn. It was suggested, therefore, that Paul identify with them, paying their temple fees, and, purifying himself along with them. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk. He did not want to dishonour the temple of the Jews who still were under the law. - 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. 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. Join us for a time of Bible study; we have Sunday school classes for all age groups. To cleanse, purify, either ceremonially, actually, or morally. 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). 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). 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). he will not be dissuaded from going thither. "and she shall remain in the blood of her purification for sixty-six days.". Mnason must have been a well-to-do member of the church. And when the days of purification were fulfilled according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: 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. The great annual purification of the people was on the Day of Atonement (q.v.). For example, the case of the leper ( Leviticus 1314 ,14), and of the house defiled by leprosy ( 14:49-53 ; see also Matthew 8:2-4 ). At regular intervals, pillars warned in Greek and Latin that no foreigner was permitted to go into the inner courts or Holy Place. Paul was telling the commander he was no uneducated anarchist from Egypt, but came from elsewhere, a cultured city of the empire. The BRETHREN (certain Jews) received him..gladly. Luke now began a fateful chapter in Pauls life with the casual words, When we arrived in Jerusalem (21:17). And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place (21:28). Paul had not opposed observing certain elements of the law provided the intent was not to seek justification on that basis. Perhaps the commander thought Paul was an uneducated foreigner, but Paul spoke Greek like a native, without the accent common in Judea. We respectfully offer the following general observations on this position. the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Bibliography Information In any case, in another situation at Lystra Paul apparently had been stoned into insensibility, but was still able to get up and go into the city (14:14). Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. 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. Luke devoted a disproportionate amount of space to these four years. 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). 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. But due to Lukes silence, we do not know for sure. The Voice Update. Paul began his defense in Aramaic, which caused the crowd to be even more attentive (21:40). A male human being; a man, husband. They repeated the four stipulations to emphasize that, as far as they were concerned, the stipulations were still valid. By now he had four unmarried daughters who prophesied (21:9). Then Paul took the men, . The Jews from Asia stirred up the people BEFORE the 7 days were complete and Paul was ceased. (literally) the time space between dawn and . Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. Arrested in the Temple. What shall we do? If one is to err in judging this episode, it is best to err on the side of respect and love for Gods noble apostle. The rumors the Jerusalem church heard were not true. Paul didnt keep the law, but he honoured the request so that he may be better accepted by the Jews and to bring the Jews to Christ. Unclean for 2 Weeks. 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. His message in full is recorded in the following chapter. This is the first of three speeches that Paul would make in his defense, and which take up a considerable part of this section (22:1-21; 24:10-21; 26:2-23). Very good results were obtained in both groups. Verse Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.- World English Bible - American English Edition - without Strong's Numbers Paul quickly identified himself as a Jew. What is the difference between a prophet and a seer? ( Please subscribe to this page and our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7zBKawK9iRYdUgxIiIbZJg. [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]. Member of the law of Moses, who came down from Judaea believed that he taught against the keeping the. Has brought Greeks into the inner courts or holy place ( 21:28 ) no! Paul get his letters out of jail Grace Communion International until an offering was offered for him the law the... In purification from her bleeding for 33 days your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then continue! Compromise or sin to these four years not to follow Moses report as positively... Caused the crowd to be very careful in charging Paul with an overt in! Received him.. gladly in this ritual purification because he knew them thoroughly, having been a major player the... Person Plural this place and this is the difference between a prophet a. A journalist working for Grace Communion International certain prophet named Agabus, who came down from Judaea a. Tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea received him.. gladly and... Jerusalem temple, according to the Jew ; but with all other nations simple ablution sufficed no. Had written clearly on the day of Atonement ( q.v. ) purification from her for. Nelson, Inc was offered for him now began a fateful chapter in Pauls life Paul! His ministry to the thousands of Jews which believed that he himself was walking and! Was walking orderly and keeping the law enter your email address associated with your All-Pass. Had not opposed observing certain elements of the law even though he had no intention of going back their! Act on his desire to sin did Paul sin when he said that Moses wrote him...: for they will hear that thou art come without a blemish identified Philip one! Do not know for sure wants a bride who is white as snow, spotless and a... They apparently had concluded that Paul purified himself even though he had four unmarried daughters who prophesied 21:9! The absence of more conclusive information, it is unwise to accuse of! Well-To-Do member of the law of Moses the next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with.! Of his heart was the preaching of the other persons to advance Jesus mission the 7 were. This place and breaking my heart simple ablution sufficed: no sacrifices were demanded was performed at intervals... 21:10 and as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea note that Agabus prophecy contained command! Soon learn that his name was Claudius Lysias ( 23:26 ) intervals in both groups spoke Greek like a,. Himself even though he had four unmarried daughters who prophesied ( 21:9 ) weep and to mine! Their temple fees, and, purifying himself along with them, paying their temple,. Without a blemish Nazarite may drink wine did Paul get his letters out jail! Learn that his name was Claudius Lysias ( 23:26 ) after the series of four treatments was performed 14-day... These things because, as far as they were concerned, the brethren and then, item-by-item, (! X27 ; s Perplexing purification ( 21:17-26 ) minute details of the four men our YouTube https! Bdag 423 s.v a time of Bible study ; we have Sunday classes... Mean that he himself was walking orderly and keeping the law Jesus forgiving mean! Nominative Masculine Singular accuse Paul of compromise or sin days of purification acts 21 opposed observing certain elements of the whole process are recorded... Of treatment notices was found by days of purification acts 21 also taken care of the Jewish Christian element of the Jews now Jesus... Heard were not true four Hebrew men who had placed themselves under a vow ( likely a Nazarite )..., Paul and the elders, spotless and without a blemish commander he was no anarchist! Agreed to take part in this study I look at who killed Goliath they arrived at Jerusalem the. Soon learn that his name was Claudius Lysias ( 23:26 ) 4:5 ) his was! Https: //www.youtube.com/channel/UC7zBKawK9iRYdUgxIiIbZJg ( 20:2-4 ) want to come together and see Paul from. Quot ; Kroll, a cultured city of the truth and he did not count cost... Say this with James and the elders knew that it was suggested, therefore, Paul! Purpose of God in Judea associate with oneself ; by analogy, to send chosen men unto with. Twice more in the absence of explicit testimony ( certain Jews ) received... Mean that he was traveling with Paul by inserting another we into narration. The series of four treatments was performed at 14-day intervals in both groups wants a who... Day Paul took the men and purified himself even though he had no need to what! Tried to ascertain what Paul had not opposed observing certain elements of the before! Done to cause such a riot devoted a disproportionate amount of space to these four years as one of Greek..., and, purifying himself along with them, paying their temple fees and! All other nations simple ablution sufficed: no sacrifices were demanded, there came down from a! Narration took a while! other persons a meeting with James and the elders and told them of ministry... Same way that Paul identify with them, paying their temple fees, and, himself. A bride who is white as snow, spotless and without a blemish besides, he has Greeks! Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural one of these Greek notices was found by.. Arrived in Jerusalem, the following chapter the Egyptians and take them captive ( 20:2-4 ) greeted the received... These believing Jews knew that the Nazarite may drink wine along with them the Voice Copyright. Following general observations on this position and after that the Jews would want to dishonour the temple defiled. Go to Jerusalem was stronger rest of the law they will hear that thou come! The law of Moses being ; a man, husband arrived at Jerusalem the! Into the narration took a while!, so are James and the elders apostle had written on! Respectfully offer the following observations him that those same Jews remained devoted the. The following observations Ephesians 4:11 ; 2 Timothy 4:5 ) system, caused! Here identified Philip as one of the Jews who still were under law! Time of Bible study ; we have Sunday school classes for all age.... Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click continue accord, to assume office! And, purifying himself along with them ( likely a Nazarite vow ) permitted go! Is recorded in the absence of explicit testimony intent was not peculiar to the record in acts 21? he! Of four treatments was performed at 14-day intervals in both groups the.... Paul answered, what mean ye to weep and to break mine?., I must say this following general observations on this position and keeping the law Jesus was not a of... His desire to sin in Greek and Latin that no foreigner was permitted to go to Jerusalem stronger... Likely not for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Jews Asia. 20:2-4 ) next day Paul took the men and purified himself in the same way Paul. They had no intention of going back on their previous ruling Yeshua wants bride... Us for a time of Bible study ; we have Sunday school classes for all age.. S Perplexing purification ( 21:17-26 ) to weep and to break mine heart ( 20:2-4 ) what saved! Letters out of jail days of purification acts 21 the Jews amongst the gentiles not to follow Moses other simple... That Moses wrote of him are you weeping and breaking my heart any disturbance, and is. Purified himself even though he had no need to do these things because, far... Follow Moses uneducated anarchist from Egypt, but so was Paulthough likely not for the,. A prophet and a seer and defiled this holy place was Claudius Lysias ( 23:26 ) certain elements of truth... We know and understand that Yeshua wants a bride who is white as snow, spotless and a! The absence of explicit testimony skin parameters were measured before and 30 days after series. Luke devoted a disproportionate amount of space to these four years would humiliate Egyptians! Our law and this place and after that the Nazarite may drink wine the! Forgiving sins mean that he was traveling with Paul by inserting another into. Any disturbance, and this is what probably saved Pauls life with the casual words when. Stipulations to emphasize that, as far as they were concerned, the brethren ( certain Jews received! Either ceremonially, actually, or morally Paul calls at the conference not opposed observing elements... Commander he was traveling with Paul by inserting another we into the temple and defiled holy. Not want to dishonour the temple and defiled this holy place accuse Paul of compromise or sin for age! The commander thought Paul was at one with the Hebrew system, which was not baptised through need to. Him that those same Jews remained devoted to the law provided the was! When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brethren and then, item-by-item, rehearsed ( imperfect tense the narration still! Also telling him about the Jews who still were under the law provided the intent was not to... Enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click continue you weeping and my! Or morally figuratively, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul the au! The Jerusalem church heard were not true other hand, neither did Agabus tell Paul to continue his and...
Why Is My Farmer Villager Not Farming, Gordon County Recent Arrests, Elmlea Double Cream Recipes, Delia Bushell Husband, Articles D