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Does Acts 21:20–26 tell us that it is OK for a Christian Jew to continue to observe Jewish rituals?
Paul’s letter to the Galatians tells us that Gentile Christians do not need to keep the Law of Moses and the Jewish rituals. Even that no one can be saved by keeping the Law of Moses, an impossible task. But doesn’t Acts 21:20–26 tell us that it is OK for a Christian Jew to continue to observe Jewish rituals as a matter of Jewish customs.
You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” 26 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.
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(Acts 21:20–26, ESV)
Troy Day
CAN ANYONE tell our @followers
Troy Day
dont think this is it @highlight James Philemon Bowers Philip Williams John Mushenhouse
Philip Williams
Troy Day Jewish rituals divided the church as Peter mentioned in Antioch.
Gineton Alencar
Yes us perfect fine
Troy Day
Gineton Alencar dont think this is it
John Wells
I’m a Baptist and I once took part in a seder. I think we should celebrate the Judeo-Christian heritage 📻🙏🏼
John Mushenhouse
John Wells why? What does the gospels say about that? What about the sacrifices or ceremonial washings. Should we also obey the Mishnah? What did Jesus say about that? It is not an emotion high like you got at a one time seder. Paul said consider each day as a day of celebration. Why? Because Jesus isn’t just alluded to, but He lives in the born again Christian. Does he not live in Baptists?
John Wells
It was a seder put on by our church. The pastor is a good friend and a scholar as well. Something I don’t think you can rightly claim.
I have a BA in Broadcasting and minored in History, honors track, and will be specializing in military history as part of my doctoral in history at UK starting this fall.
I was in radio for 30 plus years, 26 as news director and public service director. 21 years were in Christian radio 📻
Do, I’m no neophyte 😕
You’re apparently just another narrow minded person who PRESUMES to be an expert 😞🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
John Wells
This was a reply to John Mushenhouse
Troy Day
John Wells dont think this is it
John Wells
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Pentecostal Theology
this DEF NOT it @stan wayne @paul hughes
Mike Samuel Buyi
🙏🙏🙏
Troy Day
Mike Samuel Buyi dont think this is it
Mike Samuel Buyi
Troy Day Here’s the context first: Paul has just arrived in Jerusalem after his 3rd missionary journey.
*Acts 21:20-27*
> 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.
> 27 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him,
1. The Tension:
Jews who believe vs. Rumors about Paul v.20-21*The Jerusalem church leaders tell Paul: “Thousands of Jews have believed in Jesus, AND they are still zealous for the Law of Moses.”
But there was a rumor going around: “Paul tells Jews to abandon Moses, stop circumcising kids, stop Jewish customs.” That rumor was causing problems. Jewish believers thought Paul was against their culture/identity.
Mike Samuel Buyi
2. The Plan: Prove Paul still respects Jewish customs v.22-25 The leaders didn’t want a riot. So they suggested a PR move: “Paul, there are 4 men who took a Nazarite vow. It’s expensive to finish it. Pay for their sacrifices and go through purification with them at the Temple. That way everyone will SEE you do keep the law.”
They also remind him: “For Gentiles we already told them the rules: no idol food, no blood, no strangled animals, no sexual immorality.” So Gentiles don’t have to become Jewish, but Jews can still keep their customs.
This wasn’t about salvation.Salvation is by faith in Jesus for both Jews and Gentiles. This was about cultural sensitivity and unity Paul wasn’t compromising the Gospel he often said “I become all things to all people” 1 Cor 9:20-22.
3. What Paul Did + What Happened Next v.26-27
Paul agreed. He joined the purification, paid, and went to the Temple. But while he was there,some Jews from Asia saw him and accused him: “This is the man who teaches against our people and the law!” That accusation is what led to Paul being arrested right after this.
3 Main Lessons We Can Take
1.Unity doesn’t mean sameness.Jewish believers could keep some customs. Gentile believers didn’t have to. Both were saved by Jesus. The church had to make space for both.
2. Wisdom in how we live with others.Paul was willing to give up his rights to avoid unnecessary offense and to win people.Sometimes love means adjusting how we act so the Gospel isn’t blocked by misunderstanding.
3. Rumors spread fast and hurt ministry.Even though Paul preached grace,people twisted it. The leaders tried to clear his name with actions, not just words.
In one sentence:
The church leaders asked Paul to publicly show respect for Jewish customs to calm rumors and protect unity, even though both Jews and Gentiles are saved by faith alone.