Scripture: Acts 21:17-26
Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem
17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.”
26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. 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. (NIV)
Observation:
Paul reported to Jerusalem to James and the elders of the church. He reported to them all that had transpired with his ministry among the Gentiles. Upon hearing Paul’s report they praised God but then they said to Paul: “‘You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. What shall we do?” (Acts 21:20-22) Paul then went through a purification rite to demonstrate that he abided by the law of Moses.
Application:
Paul aimed to reach the Gentiles and opposed requiring new Gentile converts to be circumcised. He argued that relying on the law for salvation meant they would have to follow every part of it. Instead, Paul viewed baptism as a form of spiritual circumcision, symbolizing faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior and trusting solely in His salvation.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, like Paul, we recognize that nothing we do under the law can earn us salvation, but our faith in You as Lord and Savior brings us to eternal life. We are called to live in Your grace and to extend the grace You have given us to others. Amen.