days of purification acts 21

Pauls act of purification, therefore, need not suggest that he was seeking personal forgiveness by means of an animal sacrifice. . ( Acts 21:24 Acts 21:26) we are not informed. So they asked him to perform this ritual in a hope to appease the Jews who would come to see him. 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? Paul had earlier stated that the Holy Spirit had warned him that he faced prisons and hardships in Jerusalem (20:23; 21:4). While Paul was at the home of Philip, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea (21:10). The great annual purification of the people was on the Day of Atonement (q.v.). Why did Paul leave Trophimus, a 7-year companion, sick and not heal him? greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no. What did the manger for baby Jesus look like, and symbolize? He took some soldiers, and they ran into the crowd to disperse it (21:32). What shall we do? Join us in the auditorium for a time of praise and singing and the study of Gods Word. 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. 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 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. Acts 24:17). 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. Paul quickly identified himself as a Jew. He simply became a Jew in order to win the Jews. He did this for the GOSPELS sake, so that he could save as many as he could from every group. This again brings up the question of whether Paul was disregarding the voice of the Spirit in going to Jerusalem. 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). 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. Lukes account is hazy on exactly what Paul did. Did Paul sin when he purified himself in the Jerusalem temple, according to the record in Acts 21?. In the section that follows (20ff), the Bible student encounters what this writer considers to be one of the most challenging episodes in the entire book. For less than $5/mo. A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. Acts 21:3Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. We have already been told in Acts that Paul does not teach against the Jewish Torah in and of itself. The entire precincts of the Temple. The language of the oracle once more conforms Paul to the image of the prophet Jesus onhisjourney to Jerusalem: Agabus declares that Paul, too, will be handed over and into the power of the Gentiles, which makes his prophecy remarkably close to the passion predictions of Jesus (9:44; 18:32). From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Again it is then again stated of Paul that he taught against the keeping of the law. Some speculate that Lukes silence means that the offering was rejected, and the attempt to demonstrate unity failed. 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. They would distrust to anyone who insulted the Torah. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! 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. 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. he will not be dissuaded from going thither. Cups and pots and brazen vessels were washed as a matter of ritual observance. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. From Pauls epistles, it seems that presenting the offering personally was the chief reason for his going to Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4;Romans 15:25-27, with 2 Corinthians 8-9). Paul in fact made no offering at all. . Luke now gave his readers an example of how the Spirit warned him. when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. 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, Jesus allowed himself to be baptised for the remission of sins, even though he had none and had zero need to be baptised of John, but for the sake of his mission. He demonstrated to the thousands of Jews which believed that he himself was walking orderly and keeping the law. 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. The commander of the fortress was a Roman military officer, the chief Roman authority in Jerusalem. (His attempted defense before the Sanhedrin in 23:1-9, a fourth speech, never really got under way.). Perhaps it was Luke who was repeating the four regulations as a literary device for the benefit of his readers. 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). 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). Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. [ b] Then afterward he may enter the camp, but he must live outside his tent seven days. The charter still stood, with the exceptions set down at the conference. Tools. It was suggested, therefore, that Paul identify with them, paying their temple fees, and, purifying himself along with them. In conclusion it may he observed that the distinctive feature. The following day the apostle, along with the four men, went to the temple where the sacrifices would be offered. Something had to be done to put the evil rumors to rest. Richard Longenecker writes, They were saying to Paul, We can accept this gift from the churches and so identify ourselves with your Gentile mission, if you will join with these men and identify yourself openly with the nation. Thus they were protecting themselves against Jewish recriminations while at the same time affirming their connection with Paul and his mission (Acts,The Expositors Bible Commentary,page 520). Paul was actually preaching the Messiah, Jesus, who was encompoused in Moses. Luke chose his wording to bring out, in a literary manner, the similarity between the fate of Jesus and Paul in their final trip to Jerusalem. How did Paul get his letters out of jail? 14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. The idea of uncleanness was not peculiar to the Jew; but with all other nations simple . B. This was to show (to the Jews who were accepting Christ but still devoted to the law) that Paul walked orderly and kept the law, not because he was but in order to appease the multitude. Acts 21:26 Context . Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural. 27The seven days of purification were almost completed when some Jews from Asia recognized Paul in the temple. [b] Then afterward he may enter the camp, but he must live outside his tent seven days. We never find Paul submitting himself to the practices of shadow day forms and ceremonies after the turning point referred to inActs 28:28. The elders knew that the Jews would want to come together and see Paul. Fare ye well. Paul himself stated that he had become all things to all men. Perhaps the elders had heard about what amounted to Pauls departure from the agreement. Perhaps he thought the Jews, after discovering the Egyptian in the temple, had set upon him as an imposter. Could the apostle have purified himself, strictly in conformity to nationalistic Judaismwith no intent whatever of substituting an animal for the precious sacrifice of the Lamb of God? The commanders conclusion that Paul was that Egyptian is perhaps not too unreasonable, given the circumstances. 1. The woman herself is to bring her offerings according to Leviticus 12:6, 8. The Jews seized Paul and began shouting, Help us! Philip was apparently living in Caesarea, possibly throughout those two decades. - Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. From hagnos; to make clean, i.e. 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. 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). Today, Haifa is the important port in the area. Paul was a Jew and was entitled to pass beyond the dividing wall into the inner courts. 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). Acts 21:26 tn Grk "until" (BDAG 423 s.v. 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). We will learn later that the Roman military contingent in the city could afford to send some 470 soldiers to escort Paul to Caesarea, so it must have been at full strength (23:23). The Romans even allowed the Sanhedrin to execute the death penalty for anyone who violated this regulation, something that Josephus (Antiquities15:417;Wars6:124-126) and Philo (Embassy to Gaius212) both mention. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. He, she, it, they, them, same. b. Paul humbled himself to do these things because, as he admitted himself, he would sacrifice . Perhaps that is framing the question in the wrong terms. Then Paul took the men Agreeably to the advice which he had received from James and the elders. In the absence of more conclusive information, it is unwise to accuse Paul of compromise or sin. Caesarea was in the province of Judea, but the city was not considered part of the Jews land because of its Gentile population and outlook. . He did not want to dishonour the temple of the Jews who still were under the law. The suggested strategy by the church elders to have Paul take part in the purification rites had backfired. Then Paul took the men, . Certain of the disciples of Caesarea also accompanied him. The apostle was not insensitive to the feelings of his Israelite kinsmen. 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. 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). The chief captain took soldiers and centurions with him and rescued Paul from the hands of the Jews. 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. The Jews from Asia stirred up the people BEFORE the 7 days were complete and Paul was ceased. Meanwhile, some in the mob were still trying to get at Paul, so he had to be carried by the soldiers into the fortress (21:35). What happened to the offering? The multitudes in Jerusalem who were in Christ remained devoted to the law that Paul was clearly preaching against. Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Feminine Singular. Luke here identified Philip as one of the Seven (21:8). She must not touch any holy thing or go into the sanctuary until completing her days of purification. He would have also taken care of the offering to be made by each of the four men. They apparently had concluded that Paul opposed any sort of connection with the Hebrew system, which was not true. . "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). Acts 21:26. 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. Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem. But due to Lukes silence, we do not know for sure. However, if he had just returned from residence among Gentiles (as Paul had), he would be considered as defiled. How did Lucifer get his inclination to become prideful and act on his desire to sin? Either of those who had accepted Christ as their Messiah or those that had not. Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. So it was a well known fact that Paul was teaching against following the customs of the law. When the Jerusalemites heard the commotion in the temple area, they came running from every part of the city (21:30). 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, . apostasy) Moses. However, its not certain just how much he had been pummelled before being rescued. At this point, in a roundabout way, the prophecy of Agabus had come true (21:11). Samson was a Nazarite for a lifetime, not just for seven days like Paul (Acts 21:27). Share Clarke's Commentary. (Teaching the Gentiles to do so was not the issue here.) 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. thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. During his years in Caesarea, Philip probably continued to evangelize the maritime plain. 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). The elders had asked Paul to show everyone that he still lived as a Jew. No doubt, he was also an elder in any church that might have existed in the Caesarea area. This urge on the part of Pauls brethren seems to have been divinely designed to test his obedience to that inward moving of the Holy Spirit which bound him to witness again in Jerusalem. 23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. ), 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 . touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written, concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from. Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? Ptolemais, called Acco in the Old Testament (Judges 1:31), had been an important Phoenician seaport. He must have also been aware that the relief fund was a major reason for Paul coming to Jerusalem. In this case, it was through an inspired prophet from the Jerusalem church. . it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Pauls girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. The Holy Spirit seemed to be expressing a neutral position regarding whether he should or should not go to Jerusalem. Such a procedure was allowed under the law. The elders approached Paul with a request regarding these four individuals. Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy. 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 seems odd that the elders repeated the decrees word-for-word back to Paul. For the sake of unity and to help the Jerusalem church, Paul agreed to follow its urging and join the purification rites of the four believers. Many students of the Word are quick to criticize Paul for making his last visit to Jerusalem. 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. James was the leader and spokesperson of the Jerusalem church, just as he was during the landmark conference of A.D. 49 (15:13). In Caesarea, Paul and the delegation stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist for a number of days (21:8, 10). The great annual purification of the people was on the Day of Atonement (q.v.). Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Apostles: Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men and (Acts of the Apostles Ac). 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. a. Perhaps, then, this was the distinction (or one of them) between evangelists and apostles. Then they said to Paul that these believing Jews knew that he was teaching the Jews amongst the gentiles NOT to follow Moses. Paul reported in great detail on his missionary journeys and the impact of the gospel among the Gentile populations. We must again notice that the Elders had agreed that the Gentiles need not be brought in under the law. The title the Seven was complementary to the Twelve, and perhaps they had a special ministry to Hellenistic Christian Jews. When the seven days were about over, some unconverted Jews from the province of Asia spotted Paul in the temple (21:27). The commander of the Roman troops quickly heard about the rioting. Acts 21: 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. The day after arriving in Jerusalem, Paul and the delegation had a meeting with James and the elders. Paul began his defense in Aramaic, which caused the crowd to be even more attentive (21:40). the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. We have a new and better covenant that is not guided or ruled over by the traditions of man. It is not a sin to record the commission of a sin. Paul had not opposed observing certain elements of the law provided the intent was not to seek justification on that basis. Accordingly, these new Christians still circumcised their children (as a covenant sign), and they observed many of the customs of the Mosaic regime. The elders explained the problem to Paul: You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. Join us for a time of Bible study; we have Sunday school classes for all age groups. Luke Johnson writes: Like that earlier delegation, this one is welcomed gladly by the brothers (15:4). Paul had just arrived in Jerusalem, against the advice of disciples in Tyre who were led by the spirit to warn Paul. James was the leader and spokesperson of the Jerusalem church, just as he was during the landmark conference of A.D. 49 (15:13). The commander was surprised to be addressed in Greek. General Editor. In the same way that Paul purified himself even though he had no need to do so. Was it David or Elhanan? Their testimony is as followsAnd when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done (Acts 21:14). Salem Media Group. According to traditions the church historian Eusebius preserved, Philip and his daughters later moved to Hierapolis in the province of Asia. What is the difference between a prophet and a seer? From prosphero; presentation; concretely, an oblation or sacrifice. The complete notice reads: No foreigner is to enter within the balustrade and embankment around the sanctuary. get to know the Bible better! He thought that if Paul had entertained a clearer perception of the abolition of the law, he would not have done what he did here especially later on, after writing the books of Ephesians and Hebrews (he assumes Paul wrote the latter). 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). In this case, when Pauls ship reached Tyre it had to unload its cargo, which apparently took several days. In other words, is one logically, If Paul erred in this episode, why did he later, in an. Paul agreed to take part in this ritual purification because he knew that it was not a matter of salvation. 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. To utilize circumcision as a matter of salvation was apostasy (Gal. 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). 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 . He wanted reassurances that if he participated in the purification rites and vow this would not be interpreted as the churchs rejecting the prior agreement. He had earlier paid some official to place him on a list of consideration to receive Roman citizenship. Paul was dragged from the inner courts of the temple, and its gates were shut by the temple police. Some of the disciples from Caesarea decided to go with Paul and the delegation. Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular. When they arrived at Jerusalem, the brethren received them gladly (Acts 21:15-17). Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. This would be done so that the Jews in general might see that Paul was walking orderly, observing the law. Gentiles, of course, were under no such constraints, as indeed the conference in Jerusalem had established (chapter 15). He was not disappointed. Many allege that Paul, in a moment of weakness, knowingly sinned, yielding to the pressure. 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. However, so far as we know, Paul never toldJewishconverts not to circumcise their children, nor was he opposed to its practice by Jewish believers. under the sacrifice of the peace offerings. Orr, James, M.A., D.D. Paul was at one with the rest of the Jewish Christian element of the church. 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. lustration. It was near the time for that ritual to be consummated by a purification ceremony in the temple. 17,21,39). 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. They grabbed him. Paul was not partaking in the full ritual only the final part. There is a good reason why Paul was mistrusted. 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 He may have used this time to gather information for the writing of his Gospel and the early chapters of Acts. The us referred to Luke and the delegates from the Gentile churches who had brought the relief fund to the mother church. Paul and his delegation disembarked and located some disciples in the city with whom they stayed a week (21:4). Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular. The apostle himself had circumcised Timothy in order to prevent offense to the Jews (16:3). He wanted to be sure the commander didnt summarily hand him over to Jewish authorities as a Gentile who had violated sacred temple areas (22:25). The Jewish antagonists were bound to hear that Paul was in Jerusalem, and there would be trouble. Arrested in the Temple. It was not caused by the Jewish Christians of Jerusalem. Third, some respected men have argued that Paul slipped on this occasion, lapsing into weakness; his practice, therefore, was inconsistent with his preaching (cf. , yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. He would be participating in a hallowed ancestral custom, and no one could claim he was teaching Jews to abandon the laws of Moses. Pauls decision was apparently in his own hands. It was a popular port-of-call for large vessels plying such eastern Mediterranean areas as Macedonia, Achaia, Asia, Syria, Judea and Egypt. Join us in the fellowship hall on the south side of the building for a time of prayer and Bible study. Paul had feared that he might be rejected by the Jerusalem church (Romans 15:31). The most popular Bible verses from Acts 21 Found 40 Verses Acts 21:22 Bible Rank: 3,349. The commander then decided to take Paul into the Antonia barracks (21:34). When her days of purification are complete, whether for a son or daughter, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting a year-old male lamb for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. Paul responded by saying to the commander, I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city (21:39). We know and understand that Yeshua wants a bride who is white as snow, spotless and without a blemish. In the Mosaic rites of purification is their expiatory character. They had no intention of going back on their previous ruling. Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? Several views have been offered relative to this matter. 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. When the group arrived in the Jerusalem area, it stayed at the home of Mnason, a long-time disciple from Cyprus (21:16). Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone. Report is it therefore? The day following their arrival in Jerusalem, Paul went in with his co-workers unto James; and all the elders were present. The church leaders thought they had a solution to their public-relations problem. 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. Why the commander allowed Paul to speak is not clear. Mnason must have been a well-to-do member of the church. Asked April 29 2019 NKJV - 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, . It was decided and agreed upon that they were NOT to be compelled to come under the Jewish law. This decision on the part of the elders in Jerusalem was accepted by the apostle Paul. But that had become his reputation. religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. He remained close to Paul. for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Arrested in the Temple. It must also be noted that Paul did NOT actually complete the ritual anyway. His message in full is recorded in the following chapter. What is it therefore? Acts 21- 21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 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. Lead to, tender, treat. How was it received? The entire churchmen, women and childrenaccompanied Paul from the city to the coastal port area. 8The one being cleansed[a] must then wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe in water, and so be clean. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together. (They were in Jerusalem for Pentecost, as in 2:5.) The multitude followed, crying, away with him. This reminds us of the cry against Jesus Christ. Acts 21. A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. The Nazirite vow, unless it had a specified time, normally lasted 30 days. Clearly that was not Pauls purpose in this temple ritual. We respectfully offer the following general observations on this position. In this study I look at who killed Goliath. John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. Agabus now took Pauls belt and tied his own hands and feet with it. It is even more difficult to understand how Paul, the writer of the book of Galatians, could go so far as to take the vow referred to in this 21st chapter of Acts. the accomplishment of the days of purification, 27-30. the Jews . 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. 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. Agabus prophecy also reminds us of Old Testament oracles in that the message was conveyed through action as well as word. The ritual was only meant for those wishing to become Nazarites and wasnt performed by the vast majority of Jews. Here is Lukes record of the incident in question. Perhaps the commander thought Paul was an uneducated foreigner, but Paul spoke Greek like a native, without the accent common in Judea. 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.''. In order to put this matter into proper focus, some background relative to the passage needs to be considered. Pauls trouble was caused by a mob of unconverted Jews, instigated by Diaspora Jews from Asia. They repeated the four stipulations to emphasize that, as far as they were concerned, the stipulations were still valid. Numbers 6:13-20 And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: . Then, on the next day he left on a rugged trip into the next town, Derbe. Gal. Today, we would put such information in a footnote. CompareColossians 2:14-17. Earlier, the disciples at Tyre had also strongly urged Paul not to go (21:4). No Gentile was allowed into the temples inner courts. 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. There are probably logical explanations for both situations, but Luke chose not to discuss these things in order to keep his account brief and moving along. Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. [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]. NKJV - 0 responses From eis and eimi; to enter. 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 ). Why did Paul purify himself at the Temple? While the church leaders received Paul and his delegation warmly (21:17), many Jerusalem disciples apparently still had some doubts about him. Its also been argued that Paul would have been in no condition to speak after receiving a thorough beating. To go in, enter (originally: I shall go in). Chapter 28 Pauls Last Message to National Israel (Acts 28:16-31), Chapter 27 Sailing With Paul (Acts 27:1-28:15), Chapter 26 Paul Speaks For Himself Before Agrippa (Acts 26:1-32), Chapter 25 Paul Before Festus (Acts 25:1-27), Chapter 24 Paul Before Felix (Acts 24:1-27), Chapter 23 Paul Brought Before the Chief Priests (Acts 23:1-35), Chapter 22 Paul Addresses the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 22:1-30). To have, hold, possess. 1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. He came from an important city in the empireand was proud of being one of its citizens. There is no evidence that the apostle was under a vow. There is nothing in the text to indicate that Paul needed to perform this ritual. Not only were the four purified, but so was Paulthough likely not for the same reason. Paul also asked the commander for permission to speak to the people, which he received. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. (The commander estimated the Egyptians followers at 4,000, which was probably nearer the correct size, given Josephus tendency to exaggerate.). And the next day, purifying himself with them According to the rites of the law; entered into the temple, to signify To the priest; the accomplishment That is, their resolution to accomplish the seven days of purification Till all the sacrifices should be offered . Seclusion for 66 Days. Its possible Paul initially objected to the elders suggestion of participating in the purification ritual. Note his frank replyThen Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? 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. The prophecy was fulfilled in principle, but not in detail, when a mob of Jews grabbed Paul and the Roman garrison commander ordered him to be bound with two chains (21:33). Luke now began a fateful chapter in Pauls life with the casual words, When we arrived in Jerusalem (21:17). 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. ( 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. What does the Bible say? 2:11ff), one ought to be very careful in charging Paul with an overt sin in the absence of explicit testimony. This showed that Luke knew about the offering (how could he not know about it, since he was part of the delegation?). /Cleanliness in the Bible and see if we can date set by Days of Purification between point A to point Z by looping Days of Purification to our time line . . Acts 21:26 NKJV 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. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell. 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. For less than $5/mo. The united urge of these brethren brought a definite response from the apostle Paul. Clarify Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from thingsoffered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. And 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 on behalf of . "But if she bears a female child, then she shall be unclean for two weeks, as in her menstruation;". Perhaps no suggestion is entirely free from difficulty, in view of the brevity of the record. The multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. He knew them thoroughly, having been a major player at the conference. when he was come unto us, he took Pauls girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver. 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