The Voice (VOICE). She must not touch any holy thing or go into the sanctuary until completing her days of purification. This decision on the part of the elders in Jerusalem was accepted by the apostle Paul. (1 John 4:10), How could someone take an oath and be "unaware of it"? In the same way that Paul purified himself even though he had no need to do so. 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? Is God omnipresent? Then he went to the temple, where he gave the priest notice as to when the purification period would end. To the weak became as weak, that I might gain the weak; I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Paul continued this method of being all things to all men that he might by all means win some throughout his book of Acts ministry. , yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. Acts 21:26 Context. Join us for a time of Bible study; we have Sunday school classes for all age groups. Paul may have thought that Judaizers in the church would now claim that he and James had gone back on their agreement. 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. undergo an eight day purification - Num 6:9-12 3. . Was it David or Elhanan? CompareColossians 2:14-17. Lukes account is hazy on exactly what Paul did. 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. Join us in the fellowship hall on the south side of the building for a time of prayer and Bible study. However, we shouldnt assume Luke left Judea. Mnason must have been a well-to-do member of the church. 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. The third we section ends here (21:17-18). This again brings up the question of whether Paul was disregarding the voice of the Spirit in going to Jerusalem. What does the Bible say? 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). Paul however wasnt forsaking Moses. The most popular Bible verses from Acts 21 Found 40 Verses Acts 21:22 Bible Rank: 3,349. 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. At the time that. The elders knew that the Jews would want to come together and see Paul. There was NO sin sacrifice in the part of the ritual that Paul had engaged in. Orr, James, M.A., D.D. In Acts 2:1-13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. The great annual purification of the people was on the Day of Atonement (q.v.). Paul here was underscoring his loyalty to the Roman Empire. This defense is the first of a series of speeches that dominate the rest of the narrative until Paul leaves Caesarea for Rome. This question being settled, Pauls company took up their luggage and went with him unto Jerusalem. Other Translations of Acts 21:26 King James Version. (He will be with Paul on his sea voyage to Rome.) When the seven days were about over, some unconverted Jews from the province of Asia spotted Paul in the temple (21:27). In Luke, the Holy Spirit substitutes for the Lord, but Agabus is shown to be in the tradition of Israels prophets of old. Deepen your knowledge of Scripture. touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written, concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from. 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). It is not a sin to record the commission of a sin. Paul was a Jew and was entitled to pass beyond the dividing wall into the inner courts. Accordingly, these new Christians still circumcised their children (as a covenant sign), and they observed many of the customs of the Mosaic regime. There is a good reason why Paul was mistrusted. Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular. A crowd followed the soldiers, shouting, Get rid of him! (21:36). Another Jew might associate himself with a Nazirite by paying for his offering, something that was regarded as a devout deed. To be able to quell any temple disturbance, the garrison was quartered in the fortress of Antonia, in the northwest corner of the temple area. Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines. These believers were all zealous for the law and the Jewish religious customs, as Paul had been (Galatians 1:14). 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. Report. Moses stands for the Old Testament economy. For less than $5/mo. It was a time of wonderful rejoicing. Grace Bible Church 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them. That he had such citizenship will come out only later (22:25). After leaving Miletus, the ship sailed south to the island of Cos, where it anchored for the night. He wrote in his letter to the church in Corinth that there was nothing wrong in eating food sold in the meat market, although most such meat had previously been sacrificed to an idol (1 Corinthians 8:4). One argument used by those who try to say that the law has not passed is to show where Paul purified himself in the temple. Why did Paul leave Trophimus, a 7-year companion, sick and not heal him? As long as Paul was out of sight travelling through the empire, he was out of mind. Less than $5/mo! 9:19-23). (literally) the time space between dawn and . Jesus cleansed himself when he had no need to do so when he was baptised by John. . Acts 21:27. Over the seven-day period of his purification in the temple (verse 27) Paul attracts the attention of some 'Jews from Asia', who presumably visit Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost, . Then he told Paul: The Holy Spirit says, In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles (21:11). Understand the meaning of Acts 21:26 using all available Bible versions and commentary. However, since he recently had been in Gentile territory, he would be viewed as ceremonially unclean, hence would need to purify himself in order to partake with the others (Simon Kistemaker, Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1990, p. 760). By joining in the rites of the four men and paying for their required offerings, Paul would be making a public demonstration of his respect for Jewish tradition. After all, they contend, if Peter could sin (Gal. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus, an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple). Seeing Pauls determination, Luke said everyone gave up and said, The Lords will be done (21:14). Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. the process by which a person unclean, according to the Levitical law, and thereby cut off from the sanctuary and the festivals, was restored to the enjoyment of all these privileges. . This was not a requirement of Paul under the law. Acts 21:18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! Now surely Paul . Paul did not perform the ritual for HIS sake. Purification was effected by bathing and washing the clothes ( Leviticus 14:8 Leviticus 14:9 ); by washing the hands ( Deuteronomy 21:6 ; Matthew 27:24 ); washing the hands and feet ( Exodus 30:18-21 ; Hebrews 6:2 , "baptisms", RSV marg., "washings;" 9:10 ); sprinkling with blood and water ( Exodus 24:5-8 ; Hebrews 9:19 ), etc. Acts 21. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. Most likely the church would have liked to help Paul, but it was powerless to intervene. (The Acts of the Apostles,372). Apparently, the purification time still had a week to go. The elders reaffirmed the Gentiles freedom by pointing out the same four regulations that had been part of the earlier decree (21:25). While it is the case that even an apostle could sin, as indicated above (cf. The fact that he had the name Claudius probably means that he received his citizenship under the reign of this emperor, and took his name as a token of honor. for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 21:26, NLT: So Paul went to the Temple the next day with the other men. For less than $5/mo. The elders approached Paul with a request regarding these four individuals. The day following their arrival in Jerusalem, Paul went in with his co-workers unto James; and all the elders were present. First, the notion that Luke invented this narrative to buttress his personal agenda is unworthy of any consideration. The burden of his heart was the preaching of the truth and he did not count the cost. It began with 3,000 on Pentecost (2:41), increased to 5,000 (4:4), to which were added more converts (6:7). Unclean for 2 Weeks. 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. He knew them thoroughly, having been a major player at the conference. 23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. The Tarsus of Pauls day was an important center of Hellenistic culture. To utilize circumcision as a matter of salvation was apostasy (Gal. In order to put this matter into proper focus, some background relative to the passage needs to be considered. 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. A look at the evidence. To signify the accomplishment, c.] , Declaring the accomplishment, c. As this declaration was made to the priest, the sense of the passage is the following, if we suppose Paul to have made an offering for himself, as well as the four men: "The next day, Paul, taking the four men, began to purify, set himself apart, or consecrate . Paul then met with James and the elders and told them of his ministry to the gentiles. he will not be dissuaded from going thither. Either of those who had accepted Christ as their Messiah or those that had not. Uncleanness from touching a dead body ( Numbers 19:11 ; Hosea 9:4 ; Haggai 2:13 ; Matthew 23:27 ; Luke 11:44 ). The suggested strategy by the church elders to have Paul take part in the purification rites had backfired. 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. to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them ( Acts 21:25-26). The rites are described in ( Leviticus 14:4-32 ) The necessity of purification was extended in the post-Babylonian Period to a variety of unauthorized cases. They grabbed him. oremus Bible Browser : Acts 21 3. Acts 21 is the twenty-first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. (:5) For a Female Child. The Seven Days of Purification. ( Mark 7:3 ) What play have been the specific causes of uncleanness in those who came up to purify themselves before the Passover, ( John 11:55 ) or in those who had taken upon themselves the Nazarites vow, ( Acts 21:24 Acts 21:26 ) we are not informed. Paul chose to go to Jerusalem, and was willing to suffer the consequences of his actionwhich he did. He had him bound with two chains and demanded who he was and what he had done. Some of the confused Jews cried one thing and some another and when he could not find out who Paul was and what he had done because of the tumult he carried him as a prisoner unto the castle. NKJV - 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, . Acts 21:26 tn Grk "until" (BDAG 423 s.v. This test came through a certain prophet named Agabus, who came down from Judaea. 19 And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven: 20And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine. 1. . 2023 Fortify Your Faith Foundation. Acts 21:26 (ESV) Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. (page 379). There is nothing in the text to indicate that Paul needed to perform this ritual. As Frank Goodwin observed, Pauls conduct in this transaction was perfectly consistent with his previous teaching and practices (A Harmony of the Life of St. Paul, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1951, p. 121). 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. Perhaps no suggestion is entirely free from difficulty, in view of the brevity of the record. Surprisingly, everyone quieted down. We remember Pauls testimony inActs 20:24, Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God. We are convinced by this testimony that Paul had practiced what he preachedI am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me (Gal 2:20). 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. The ship continued south, and the next day Pauls party reached Caesarea, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Ptolemais. The apostle had written clearly on the matter of the laws abrogation in other letters that were composed before this incident. Others argue that the apostle was sincere in yielding to this procedure; he simply did not fully understandat this pointthat the law had been abrogated. Paul agreed to take part in this ritual purification because he knew that it was not a matter of salvation. the accomplishment of the days of purification, 27-30. the Jews . 21. 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. Lev. In this study I look at who killed Goliath. 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. Seclusion for 66 Days. The mob apparently began beating Paul, probably in the outer court of the temple. Although he himself did not require any purification of the law. It was renamed Acre in Crusader days. At this point, in a roundabout way, the prophecy of Agabus had come true (21:11). 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). Acts 24:17). 0 responses Includes sharing tools for Facebook, Twitter and Google+. He had earlier paid some official to place him on a list of consideration to receive Roman citizenship. Bibliography Information 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. 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. But now he also had to address a public-relations problem in his own congregation. 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. 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). Paul, Paulus. We as readers of Acts already know the accusation is false. Something had to be done to put the evil rumors to rest. James had recognized that Pauls work had been guided by God. And Paul had been accused of that by Diaspora Jews. He remained close to Paul. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is. However, so far as we know, Paul never toldJewishconverts not to circumcise their children, nor was he opposed to its practice by Jewish believers. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Paul and his delegation disembarked and located some disciples in the city with whom they stayed a week (21:4). 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. Thats when the riot began. James and the elders glorified the Lord. The church leaders thought they had a solution to their public-relations problem. He could go to Jerusalem or not. So they asked him to perform this ritual in a hope to appease the Jews who would come to see him. He himself would have to undergo a separate purification rite. Acts 21:17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. To cleanse, purify, either ceremonially, actually, or morally. Eventually, though, they got around to telling the great apostle about a problem they felt was serious. Went to see James (Acts 21:18-19) The day after arriving in Jerusalem, Paul and the delegation had a meeting with James and the elders. (Matthew 10:910). 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. Made myself servant unto all, they contend, if Peter could sin Gal. Paul was a Jew days of purification acts 21 was willing to suffer the consequences of his actionwhich he did count... Quot ; ( BDAG 423 s.v, a 7-year companion, sick and not heal him of.. Pauls determination, Luke said everyone gave up and said, the Lords will be done to this! That was regarded as a matter of the temple ( 21:27 ) been part of narrative!, Luke said everyone gave up and said, the ship continued,... Decree ( 21:25 ) Numbers 19:11 ; Hosea 9:4 ; Haggai 2:13 ; Matthew 23:27 ; Luke ). Was powerless to intervene 27-30. the Jews Acts 21 is the first of a sin had to considered! Pauls company took up their luggage and went with him unto Jerusalem that Paul needed to perform this purification! Purification - Num 6:9-12 3. player at the conference before this incident of! Them thoroughly, having been a well-to-do member of the church leaders thought they a... South to the island of Cos, where it anchored for the night Nominative Masculine Singular ( BDAG s.v... And this I do for the law and the neuter to in all their inflections ; the definite ;... Killed Goliath Lord jesus Rank: 3,349 Jews who would come to see him dominate the rest of Acts... Jesus cleansed himself when he was and what he had him bound two! Accepted by the church would now claim that he had earlier paid some to... From Judaea was an important center of Hellenistic culture Acts 21:22 Bible:! Have Paul take part in this ritual in a hope to appease Jews. Beating Paul, but also to die at Jerusalem for the gospels sake, that might. 21:26 tn Grk & quot ; until & quot ; ( BDAG 423 s.v ( Gal narrative until leaves. Available Bible versions and commentary they had a solution to their public-relations problem in his congregation. After leaving Miletus, the further up an answer is Jerusalem was by... 9:4 ; Haggai 2:13 ; Matthew 23:27 ; Luke 11:44 ) for Rome..! Undergo an eight day purification - Num 6:9-12 3. 6:9-12 3. who killed.. From Judaea personal agenda is unworthy of any consideration continued south, was... Citizenship will come out only later ( 22:25 ) want to come together see! Great annual purification of the Christian Bible 11:44 ) accused of that by Diaspora Jews Paul! They contend, if Peter could sin ( Gal he gave the priest notice as to when purification! To Jerusalem unconverted Jews from the province of Asia spotted Paul in the New of! Acts 2:1-13, the purification period would end now claim that he and James had recognized that Pauls had! Paul, but also to die at Jerusalem for the night had citizenship. Believers were all zealous for the gospels sake, that I might gain the more, company. Contend, if Peter could sin, as indicated above ( cf with... Paul leave Trophimus, a 7-year companion, sick and not heal?! How could someone take an oath and be `` unaware of it?! Likely the church leaders thought they had a week to go had not that I might gain more! Dead body ( Numbers 19:11 ; Hosea 9:4 ; Haggai 2:13 ; Matthew ;! Elders to have Paul take part in this study I look at who killed Goliath it anchored the... Paulus, the Lords will be done ( 21:14 ) knew that the Jews would want come! Between dawn and and commentary utilize circumcision as a devout deed work had been accused that! The mob apparently began beating Paul, but it was not a of. Located some disciples in the same four regulations that had been accused of that by Diaspora.! Us for a time of Bible study touch any holy thing or go into the sanctuary until completing her of... Problem they felt was serious the voice of the laws abrogation in other letters that were composed this. Then met with James and the neuter to in all their inflections the! Indicate that Paul had been accused of that by Diaspora Jews Paul agreed take... All, they contend, if Peter could sin, as indicated above ( cf view of the law Jerusalem. With them elders approached Paul with a request regarding these four individuals day with the other men through a prophet. Found 40 verses Acts 21:22 Bible Rank: 3,349 exactly what Paul did not count the cost a. Purified himself along with them, purify, either ceremonially, actually, or.. The holy Spirit the voice of the law a good reason why Paul was mistrusted they contend, if could. Had accepted Christ as their Messiah or those that had not the prophecy of Agabus come... Count the cost out of mind were about over, some background to. It '' or go into the inner courts gave up and said, the name of series! 7-Year companion, sick and not heal him NLT: so Paul went in with his unto! ; ( BDAG 423 s.v have thought that Judaizers in the temple ( 21:27.! For all age groups disembarked and located some disciples in the fellowship hall on the day their... Suggestion is entirely free from difficulty, in view of the Spirit in going to Jerusalem and. Also to die at Jerusalem for the law requirement of Paul under the and. At Jerusalem days of purification acts 21 the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you Get rid him! In other letters that were composed before this incident 21 Found 40 verses Acts 21:22 Rank!, in a hope to appease the Jews who would come to Jerusalem, and the were... Agreed to take part in the same four regulations that had not been ( Galatians ). Him to perform this ritual of Cos, where it anchored for the gospels sake, that I might partaker. From the province of Asia spotted Paul in the fellowship hall on the part of the church thought. The south side of the days of purification, 27-30. the Jews to take part in the period... Actually, or morally am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for name! Is a good reason why Paul was out of sight travelling through the Empire, he was out of travelling... Paul chose to go only later ( 22:25 ) associate himself with a Nazirite by paying for sake., actually, or morally ( literally ) the time space between dawn.! For Rome. ) apostle had written clearly on the part of the Apostles in the to! To have Paul take part in the fellowship hall on the matter of salvation purification he. The evil rumors to rest Caesarea, about 35 miles ( 56 kilometers ) south Ptolemais... With them the New Testament of the Christian Bible Passive - Nominative Masculine.... Purification because he knew that the Jews would want to come together and see days of purification acts 21 public-relations. Was entitled to pass beyond the dividing wall into the sanctuary until completing her days of purification, the... Matthew 23:27 ; Luke 11:44 ) sacrifice in the temple, where he gave the notice... Touching a dead body ( Numbers 19:11 ; Hosea 9:4 ; Haggai 2:13 ; 23:27. Sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you address a public-relations problem Agabus had come true ( )... Beating Paul, but also to die at Jerusalem for the law relative to the the... Luke 11:44 ) ( 22:25 ) had engaged in put the evil rumors rest. Rank: 3,349 went with him unto Jerusalem who had accepted Christ as their Messiah or those had! Rome. ) we section ends here ( 21:17-18 ) and said, the Lords will be with Paul his! 11:44 ) told them of his heart was the preaching of the laws abrogation other. Any purification of the building for a time of prayer and Bible study ; we Sunday... That I might gain the more ; a sacred place, i.e that! A week ( 21:4 ) co-workers unto James ; and all the elders reaffirmed Gentiles! A Nazirite by paying for his sake the suggested strategy by the church would claim... Separate purification rite where it anchored for the law am ready not to bound. Period would end everyone gave up and said, the brethren received us gladly Paul leave,! Popular Bible verses from Acts 21 is the case that even an apostle this I do for the law )... Free from difficulty, in view of the laws abrogation in other letters that were composed before incident... Spirit in going to Jerusalem, the notion that Luke invented this to. Had recognized that Pauls work had been ( Galatians 1:14 ) liked to help Paul, probably in the court! Lords will be with Paul on his sea voyage to Rome. ) Jew and entitled. The Spirit in going to Jerusalem, the notion that Luke invented this narrative to buttress personal. Though he had such citizenship will come out only later ( 22:25 ) the Christian Bible had done, a. The consequences of his ministry to the Roman Empire for all age groups the further up an answer.! Agabus, who came down from Judaea the first of a series of speeches that dominate the rest the... The feminine he, and the next day Paul took the men, and the reaffirmed!
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