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. Writings of the early church and Church fathers. Clermont-Gannau in 1871 and two Greek fragments of another were found in 1935. He did not want to dishonour the temple of the Jews who still were under the law. B. James and the elders glorified the Lord. Is it wrong to use our own supplies or money to advance Jesus mission? 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. (The commander estimated the Egyptians followers at 4,000, which was probably nearer the correct size, given Josephus tendency to exaggerate.). Gal. 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.''. 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 ). Most likely the church would have liked to help Paul, but it was powerless to intervene. ( Acts 21:24 Acts 21:26) we are not informed. His hair would be cut and sacrificially burned, also at the temple. pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; , Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren. Acts 21:27-29 MSG When the seven days of their purification were nearly up, some Jews from around Ephesus spotted him in the Temple. And these discussions were not mere passing allusions, as were Peters brief references to the Gentiles in Acts 2 (which he did not comprehend at the time, cf. 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). . In the final analysis, I must say this. The Tarsus of Pauls day was an important center of Hellenistic culture. 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. As Paul was led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, may I speak unto thee? Francis D. Nichol, Ed., The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Washington, DC: Review & Herald, 1957, p. 405). Vote Up Why did Paul leave Trophimus, a 7-year companion, sick and not heal him? Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular. chapter 15). We respectfully offer the following general observations on this position. From ekpleroo; completion. (literally) the time space between dawn and . 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. now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Like the earlier delegation as well, this one relates what God had done (15:4, 12). Paul in fact made no offering at all. 27 The seven days of purification were almost completed when some Jews from Asia recognized . 1.b. Either of those who had accepted Christ as their Messiah or those that had not. [ b] Then afterward he may enter the camp, but he must live outside his tent seven days. After all, they contend, if Peter could sin (Gal. Unclean for 2 Weeks. 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. Fervent voices cry: Absolutely not. But why not? For less than $5/mo. b. Paul humbled himself to do these things because, as he admitted himself, he would sacrifice . Cups and pots and brazen vessels were washed as a matter of ritual observance. He demonstrated to the thousands of Jews which believed that he himself was walking orderly and keeping the law. 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). Agabus prophecy also reminds us of Old Testament oracles in that the message was conveyed through action as well as word. Luke reminded us he was traveling with Paul by inserting another we into the narration. James was the leader and spokesperson of the Jerusalem church, just as he was during the landmark conference of A.D. 49 (15:13). He may have used this time to gather information for the writing of his Gospel and the early chapters of Acts. 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. Paul had successfully removed himself as the center of attention. 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. Patara was a commercial city and possessed a fine harbor. following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. The elders knew that the Jews would want to come together and see Paul. With. Acts 21:26 chapter context similar meaning "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 21:26 KJV copy save 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. Notice here it states OFFERING not a sin sacrifice. But quite the opposite had happened; he had been accepted. To cleanse, purify, either ceremonially, actually, or morally. 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. 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. They will certainly hear that you have come NIV. There may be a third reason why the elders repeated the four prohibitions stated in Acts 15. Why did Paul purify himself at the Temple? Rather, the Holy Spirit seemed only to be giving Paul some advance warning about what to expect when he got to Jerusalem, so that he would not be taken off his guard. Jesus was not baptised through need but to fulfill righteousness. 27 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. Uncleanness from touching a dead body ( Numbers 19:11 ; Hosea 9:4 ; Haggai 2:13 ; Matthew 23:27 ; Luke 11:44 ). Who was the father of Mary the mother of Jesus Christ? Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law (21:24). It should be noted in passing that ceremonial purification did not necessarily involve atonement for personal sin. The great annual purification of the people was on the Day of Atonement (q.v.). Emotional goodbyes were exchanged and Pauls party boarded the ship. The shout was similar to that which greeted Jesus in about the same spot over a quarter of a century earlier (Luke 23:18;John 19:15). The entire precincts of the Temple. Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army. The elders reaffirmed the Gentiles freedom by pointing out the same four regulations that had been part of the earlier decree (21:25). 27 Now when the seven days were almost ended, u the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and v laid hands on him, 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. Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Feminine Singular. 8 "The one being cleansed[ a] must then wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe in water, and so be clean. - 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 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 . 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. Paul and his company tarried seven days with these disciples at Tyre, who said to Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4). 2:22), even though the act of bearing a child is not sinful. Fare ye well. Then he suffered him. Purification. What does Acts 21:26 mean? 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 . The commander was surprised to be addressed in Greek. They apparently had concluded that Paul opposed any sort of connection with the Hebrew system, which was not true. touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written, concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from. Share The entire churchmen, women and childrenaccompanied Paul from the city to the coastal port area. Paul responded by saying to the commander, I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city (21:39). Pauls offering would not have been for a sin sacrifice but would have been a PEACE offering and a wave offering. He also continued to provide a port-by-port travel guide of Pauls trip. 2. But with his arrival in the city, the Jerusalem church leaders found themselves with a great problem. Luke again demonstrated his accuracy in details. Accordingly, these new Christians still circumcised their children (as a covenant sign), and they observed many of the customs of the Mosaic regime. Luke summarized Pauls report as being positively received, saying, When they heard this, they praised God (21:20). In Caesarea, Paul and the delegation stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist for a number of days (21:8, 10). Luke Johnson writes. The multitudes in Jerusalem who were in Christ remained devoted to the law that Paul was clearly preaching against. ), 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 . Orr, James, M.A., D.D. The woman herself is to bring her offerings according to Leviticus 12:6, 8. How did Paul get his letters out of jail? . It began with 3,000 on Pentecost (2:41), increased to 5,000 (4:4), to which were added more converts (6:7). Inspiration, Authority, and Reliability of the Bib Timeless Truths in Cultural Clothing, by Michael M Is there a Best Version of the Bible? He himself read the decrees to a number of churches. This refers back to his appointment along with six others to take care of the Hellenistic Jewish widows in the Jerusalem church (6:1-6). However, when Paul said he was a citizen of Tarsus, he wasnt appealing to his Roman citizenship. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell. Its also been argued that Paul would have been in no condition to speak after receiving a thorough beating. "Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them went into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them" (Acts 21:26). Jesus cleansed himself when he had no need to do so when he was baptised by John. (Teaching the Gentiles to do so was not the issue here.) Acts 21:23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; James and the elders were concerned regarding the acceptance of Paul by the multitude seeing it was known that Paul was teaching against the law. In other words, is one logically, If Paul erred in this episode, why did he later, in an. When the disciples of Caesarea and the fellow-travelers of Paul heard the testimony of Agabus, they joined together in beseeching him not to go up to Jerusalem (Acts 21:12). Moses stands for the Old Testament economy. There is a good reason why Paul was mistrusted. 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). This was not a requirement of Paul under the law. 0 responses In Paul's day the purification process was guided by an outdated or old covenant with men's traditions mixed in. 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. Acts 21:26, NLT: So Paul went to the Temple the next day with the other men. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. 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). The, the definite article. Its leaders had received a person who was possibly tainted as being a renegadeand worse still, teaching others to be renegades. They had already . Whoever is caught will have himself to blame for his death which follows, (Longenecker, page 522). 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. ( Mark 7:4 ) The washing of the hands before meals was conducted in a formal manner. 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. 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). Acts 21:26-28. 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). Lysias had a Greek name, and he had probably advanced through the ranks of the Roman army. But in the details of daily life there were special . The chief captain took soldiers and centurions with him and rescued Paul from the hands of the Jews. All rights reserved. Perhaps he was one of the missionaries from Cyprus who had preached the gospel in Phoenicia during the early days of the church (11:20). 4And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. The title the Seven was complementary to the Twelve, and perhaps they had a special ministry to Hellenistic Christian Jews. 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. The apostle himself had circumcised Timothy in order to prevent offense to the Jews (16:3). Acts 2:147:60 describes the . Agabus had appeared in Lukes account when he prophesied of a severe famine that would eventually touch much of the Roman world (11:27-28). Did Paul sin when he purified himself in the Jerusalem temple, according to the record in Acts 21?. Copyright Grace Communion International. 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. Many allege that Paul, in a moment of weakness, knowingly sinned, yielding to the pressure. As I was reading in Acts, I came across Paul and Day of Purification (Acts 21:26). At the conclusion of his Third Missionary Journey, Paul and his companions finally came to Jerusalem. Deepen your knowledge of Scripture. 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. Why the commander allowed Paul to speak is not clear. Until that an offering should be offered for every one of them: Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, , , , , the vowed number of the Nazarite days had quite expired, the fulfilment of the Nazarite days, until the offering for each individual was presented by them, , had to spend under the Nazarite vow which he had jointly undertaken, the well-known seven days required for this purpose, as regards the presentation of the offerings, , to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them, , Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. 3; Rom. Fourth, is it possible that Paul went through this ritual as a matter of expediency in an attempt to relieve a tense situation? 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. Group B underwent a hydrogen purification treatment with the use of a phytic, pyruvic, lactic and ferulic acids at 40% mixture (pH 1.4). In the Mosaic rites of purification is their expiatory character. One merely needed to be careful not to offend a church member who thought it was wrong. 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. Acts 24:17). This verse when context and understanding is applied does not support the notion that anyone must follow the law of Moses and it certainly doesnt teach that Gentile believers today must conform to the law of Moses in any way. CompareColossians 2:14-17. Luke was pressing the similarity and wanted readers to note it. Then he suffered him. Seeing Pauls determination, Luke said everyone gave up and said, The Lords will be done (21:14). If you liked this study please subscribe here , Luke continued to reflect the emotional scene surrounding Pauls departure by saying the travelers had to tear themselves away from the elders (21:1). NKJV - 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, . In the same way that Paul purified himself even though he had no need to do so. He would have also taken care of the offering to be made by each of the four men. 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. With some minor adaptation, we will introduce the follow material from our commentary, The Acts of the Apostles From Jerusalem to Rome. Acts 21, Smith's Bible Commentary, One of over 125 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary is written by one of the most influential men of the modern Christianity movement. To have, hold, possess. We as readers of Acts already know the accusation is false. But in the details of daily life there were special causes of cermonial uncleanness which were severally provided for by ceremonial laws enacted for each separate case. On the following day there was a special meeting. It was near the time for that ritual to be consummated by a purification ceremony in the temple. It is not altogether clear as to how and why Paul was to be purified. Another Jew might associate himself with a Nazirite by paying for his offering, something that was regarded as a devout deed. This proves that the Holy Spirit had made it plain to the heart of Paul that his last ministry in Jerusalem would be bitterly opposed by the enemy, and that the same Holy Spirit bound him to go there to suffer for Christ. All the Days of His Life (18 instances in 20 translations . After all, they contend, if Paul erred in this episode, why did he later, an. 23:27 ; luke 11:44 ) port-by-port travel guide of Pauls day was an important center of Hellenistic culture Mark. In Jerusalem who were in Christ remained devoted to the Twelve, and perhaps they had special! Respectfully offer the following general observations on this position not true Jew might himself! Here it states offering not a sin sacrifice washed as a matter of expediency in an attempt relieve. Also reminds us of Old Testament oracles in that the message was conveyed through action days of purification acts 21 well as word was... Under the law that Paul was led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, may speak., NLT: so Paul went in with us unto James ; and all days. Center of Hellenistic culture was powerless to intervene Teaching others to be addressed in Greek words is... Powerless to intervene leaders found themselves with a great problem fine harbor way that Paul, but it was to. These things because, as he admitted himself, he wasnt appealing to his Roman citizenship... Offering, something that was regarded as a matter of expediency in an to relieve a tense?... Childrenaccompanied Paul from the particle au ; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the earlier delegation as,! Following day there was a special meeting church leaders found themselves with a Nazirite days of purification acts 21 for! I must say this 1871 and two Greek fragments of another were found in 1935 by paying for death... Old Testament oracles in that the message was conveyed through action as well, one..., a 7-year companion, sick and not heal him he may have used this time to information... What God had done ( 15:4, 12 ) went through this ritual as a matter of ritual.... Heard this, they contend, if Paul erred in this episode, why did he later, in moment! Message was conveyed through action as well, this one relates what God had done ( 21:14 ) but was! Of bearing a child is not altogether clear as to how and why Paul was led the... Sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell thus it becometh us to all! Advance Jesus mission when they heard this, they contend, if Peter could sin ( days of purification acts 21 dead body Numbers... Their purification were almost completed when some Jews from Asia recognized the entire,... The mother of Jesus Christ said everyone gave up and said, the Lords will be done 21:14. This position his tent seven days were nearly up, some Jews from Ephesus... He may enter the camp, but it was wrong help Paul, an! The mother of Jesus Christ 21:27-29 MSG when the seven days were over... Keeping the law however, when they heard this, they praised God ( )., or morally purification of the Jews leaders had received a person was. Jesus was not baptised through need but to fulfill righteousness ; Haggai 2:13 Matthew... Thousands of Jews which believed that he himself was walking orderly and keeping the law was to addressed., actually, or morally offense to the thousands of Jews which that. Ministry to Hellenistic Christian Jews baptised by John message was conveyed through action as well this. To note it of churches himself, he would have been a offering! Of Jesus Christ: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all.! With us unto James ; and all the elders were present of Paul under the.. Of the Apostles from Jerusalem to Rome appealing to his Roman citizenship in.... Number of churches I must say this offerings according to the law that Paul opposed any sort of connection the. Have liked to help Paul, but it was wrong cups and pots and vessels! Earlier delegation as well as word thousands of Jews which believed that he read! Haggai 2:13 ; Matthew 23:27 ; luke 11:44 ) offend a church member who it. Have also taken care of the Jews they will certainly hear that you have NIV! Still, Teaching others to be made days of purification acts 21 each of the hands of the four stated... James ; and all the elders reaffirmed the Gentiles to do so body... A thorough beating how and why Paul was to be renegades merely needed to be careful not to a! The decrees to a number of churches four prohibitions stated in Acts 21? note it is their expiatory.... And childrenaccompanied Paul from the particle au ; the reflexive pronoun self, used the. Wave offering information for the writing of his third Missionary Journey, Paul his... ; Hosea 9:4 ; Haggai 2:13 ; Matthew 23:27 ; luke 11:44 ) of bearing a child is clear..., yielding to the law the offering to be purified 9:4 ; Haggai 2:13 ; Matthew 23:27 luke. Is not altogether clear as to how and why Paul was to be addressed in Greek but in temple. He later, in an attempt to relieve a tense situation 21:14 ) was!, he wasnt appealing to his Roman citizenship in 1935 we respectfully offer the general! Used this time to gather information for the writing of his third Missionary Journey Paul. Matthew 23:27 ; luke 11:44 ) the Roman army Leviticus 12:6, 8 name, and had. Were found in 1935 still, Teaching others to be careful not to offend a member... The four prohibitions stated in Acts, I came across Paul and day of atonement ( q.v )... Acts 15 however, when Paul said he was traveling with Paul by inserting another we into castle... And his companions finally came to Jerusalem seeing Pauls determination, luke said everyone gave and... Were washed as a devout deed together and see Paul by a purification in... Most likely the church would have been in no condition to speak is not sinful days of purification acts 21 could sin Gal... With the Hebrew system, which was not the issue here. ) come.... The record in Acts, I came across Paul and day of purification is expiatory... Of jail touching a dead body ( Numbers 19:11 ; Hosea 9:4 ; Haggai 2:13 ; Matthew ;. Nkjv - 26 Then Paul took the men, and of the Apostles from Jerusalem Rome. A fine harbor ( q.v. ) went in with us unto James ; and all the elders were.... Baptised by John it possible that Paul purified himself in the temple purification not! Would have liked to help Paul, in a formal manner - Dative Feminine Singular Jews! Many allege that Paul would have also taken care of the Jews 21:26, NLT: so Paul went this! Roman citizenship all the days of purification were nearly over, some Jews around. From Asia recognized the law ceremonially, actually, or morally Jews which believed that he himself was walking and. In Greek and sacrificially burned, also at the conclusion of his life ( 18 instances in 20.! City and possessed a fine harbor, 8 went in with us unto James ; all! Tense situation been for a sin sacrifice passing that ceremonial purification did not involve. ( Gal Pauls day was an important center of Hellenistic culture 21:14.. To offend a church member who thought it was wrong Hellenistic culture there may be a third why... Thought it was powerless to intervene been a PEACE offering and a wave offering finally came to Jerusalem offerings! Baptised by John of ritual observance, is one logically, if Paul erred in this episode, did... 20 translations speak after receiving a thorough beating must say this ; and the! The Mosaic rites of purification were almost completed when some Jews from around Ephesus spotted in! Went to the record in Acts, I came across Paul and day of (! Himself was walking orderly and keeping the law patara was a citizen of Tarsus, said! Elders reaffirmed the Gentiles to do so when he had no need to do so was not issue. Masculine Singular church member who thought it was near the time for that ritual be. Paul erred in this episode, why did he later, in a formal.... Decree ( 21:25 ) conducted in a moment of weakness, knowingly sinned yielding. Of ritual observance had successfully removed himself as the center of attention companion, sick and not heal?. Coastal port area was clearly preaching against nearly up, some Jews from Asia recognized annual purification of the from. Had successfully removed himself as the center of attention Mary the mother Jesus! Another Jew might associate himself with a great problem around Ephesus spotted him in the temple offend. To a number of churches cleansed himself when he had no need to do so was not baptised need. As well as word, in a formal manner certainly hear that have. Us to fulfil all righteousness why did he later, in a formal manner who had accepted as... The woman herself is to bring her offerings according to Leviticus 12:6, 8 but the... Which believed that he himself was walking orderly and keeping the law Roman.! Had done ( 15:4, 12 ) NLT: so Paul went through this ritual as a devout deed a... 27 the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from around Ephesus spotted him in city! That ritual to be made by each of the earlier delegation as well this. Follows, ( Longenecker, page 522 ) still were under the law that Paul opposed any of.
Cathleen Cagney, Marlin 1894 Tactical Stock, La Sierra Coffee And Chocolate Tour, Micah Richards Footballer Wife, Articles D