Paul arrives in Jerusalem
June 1, 2022
Commentary
Paul finally arrived in Jerusalem and went before the church leaders to give a missionary report of what God had done in his journeys (vv. 17-19). They listened very politely but when he was finished, they told him they had a local situation that perhaps he could help them settle (vv. 20-21). They had been hearing of Paul’s strong stand on salvation by grace alone, which was totally apart from the law. Now they were brought face to face with Gentile believers who were the fruit of Paul’s labors. When we come down to the bottom line, we discover that they were not interested in world evangelism at all. They turned at once from the thrilling story of Paul’s missionary adventures and success to a criticism of his neglect of their petty religious rules.
Many of the professing Christians in the Jerusalem church were trying to force Christians to keep the Jewish law. They wanted all Gentiles to be circumcised. James, the recognized leader of the Jerusalem church, and the elders, had a proposition all worked out which they put to Paul (vv. 22-24). They wanted him to exhibit to the people that he was a pro-Judaist Christian and one of their own kind (Gal. 6:13), even if only for the sake of show. They had four men who were taking a vow and suggested that Paul join them and go through the Jewish ritual of purification, complete with a shaved head (vv. 25-26). They even suggested that he pay for the offerings for those men.
Paul reasoned that if it would reconcile his Jewish brethren, he was willing to do what the Jerusalem elders requested. Paul’s purpose in taking a Nazarite vow was in keeping with his passion to reach Jews of his day for Christ. He would bend over backwards and do anything short of compromising his own convictions in the Gospel. For the sake of Christian unity and peace he was willing to pay the price demanded of him by the elders. However, there is no evidence that his compromise did the slightest amount of good.
Application
It should never be my goal to please the people in the Church, but to please the Lord. I always need to stand true to what the Bible teaches and not what man may try to get me to do.
Acts 21:17– 26 (NET)
17 When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly. 18 The next day Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were there. 19 When Paul had greeted them, he began to explain in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all ardent observers of the law. 21 They have been informed about you—that you teach all the Jews now living among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What then should we do? They will no doubt hear that you have come. 23 So do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow; 24 take them and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself live in conformity with the law. 25 But regarding the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter, having decided that they should avoid meat that has been sacrificed to idols and blood and what has been strangled and sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men the next day, and after he had purified himself along with them, he went to the temple and gave notice of the completion of the days of purification, when the sacrifice would be offered for each of them.
Illustration: quotBehold Now is The Day of Salvation”
Last Saturday, two ladies from the church were out soul-winning. As they approached a large yellow house with quaint burgundy shutters, they noticed the ramp leading up to the front door. It led up to a large porch with a swinging gate. When they knocked on the door, a kindly woman in her late forties greeted them warmly. She thanked the ladies for visiting, but explained that with all the company she had that day it would actually be better if the pastor could come by for a visit. She explained that her mother, a bed-ridden invalid was not saved and had a prognosis of advanced cancer. On Tuesday, I visited only to find out that Ruby, the woman’s mother, had experienced a bad day and could not receive visitors. I told the daughter that I would be glad to come anytime and gave her my phone number on a tract. Upon further examination, I learned that her mother had less than a month to live. I will never forget the words her daughter expressed, “You would think that when you get this close to the end of your life, you would make sure you get eternal things settled.” That is the Devil’s great deception—do it…tomorrow. Perhaps that’s why God’s Word says, “Behold, now is the day of salvation.” (Steaven Snow – Sermon Centrral)