BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 21:31

Thursday, 9 November 2023
 
Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Acts 21:31
 
In the previous verse, the city was disturbed, and the people ran together, seizing Paul, and dragging him out of the temple. With that, it next says, “Now as they were seeking to kill him.”
 
As is typical with crowds that have been stirred up, people will often act in a manner that they would not act in when alone. In this case, they have been riled up to the point that they are ready to kill Paul.
 
As will be seen, though, once Paul has a chance to defend himself, they will quiet down and listen to him. This means that at this time they actually have no idea why they are doing what they are doing. They are bent on killing him based on whatever rumor met their ears, whether true or not. While this was going on, “news came to the commander of the garrison.”
 
The word translated as garrison is better translated as a cohort or band. A garrison is the place where men are gathered. This man’s position refers to the gathering of the men rather than the place of their gathering. He is the commander of a unit of men stationed in Jerusalem.
 
The Greek designation of the commander is a chiliarch, meaning the captain of one thousand men. Such a cohort is one-sixth of a legion, which equates to six thousand men. This cohort was stationed in the castle Antonia which was on the north side of the temple. It is referred to in Matthew 27:65, 66; John 18:12; and Acts 5:26.
 
As for the word translated as news, it is the Greek word phasis. It is found only here in the New Testament. It speaks of the disclosure of a secret crime. In other words, an unlawful act was occurring because the Jews had no right to put anyone to death, especially in a mob scene.
 
However, by beating him to death in a mob, they could avoid having accusations against any individual for murder. It was a planned way of executing him that would leave a body but no available suspects. However, during the time of a feast, the Romans would be on a higher state of alert because of the multitudes of people flocking to Jerusalem.
 
As for the news he received, it was “that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.” Chaos had broken out because of the situation. In such a case, it could only get worse without immediate crowd control. Otherwise, people would be hurt, factions within the crowd would arise, and more chaos and destruction would occur. This is the exact reason why so many men were stationed in Jerusalem.
 
The city was a hotbed of activity. The religious, cultural, and political views of the Jews were set against any authority being established over them. Unless very strict controls were placed over the people, especially during the annual pilgrim feasts, things could get out of hand quickly. From there, a general uprising could easily spread throughout the land.
 
Life application: The best thing to do when in a crowded situation is to mind your own business. If people start getting out of hand, finding a quick avenue of escape is then the preferred option. Once the camera comes out and people start recording, it means things are getting out of hand. Instead of watching, which can be done on the evening news or YouTube later, ducking out and getting away from the mob is prudent.
 
This is even more important today, where governments are actively looking for reasons to arrest people of conservative, Christian values. There is a “guilt by association” attitude for anyone who is in such an area, even if they are just watching. This is perfectly evident when murderous thugs on the left are actually apprehended for severe crimes but are then released without charges within a few hours.
 
The world is devolving into wickedness, and it is the wicked who will be given the free pass when such times arise. Be on your guard and get away from crowds that are getting agitated. That is your best option in today’s world.
 
Lord God, give us wisdom and discernment in how to conduct our affairs when we are gathered in large settings. Help us to pay attention to what is going on around us and to be ready to act quickly if things get out of control. Above all, Lord, keep us from getting ourselves into situations where we might bring reproach on the name of Jesus. May it be so, O Lord. Amen.
 

Acts 21:30

Wednesday, 8 November 2023
 
And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. Acts 21:30
 
More literally, the verse reads, “And the whole city was moved. And there was a rallying of the people. And, having seized Paul, they dragged him outside the temple, and immediately the doors were shut” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it mentioned that the people erroneously believed Trophimus the Ephesian was brought into the temple by Paul. Because of this, it next says, “And the whole city was moved.”
 
When the accusatory words of these Jews, as stated in verse 28, were heard, it would have been greeted with the same horror as the defilement of any closely held religious or national icon among any given people. The entire city would have gone into an uproar, just as it did when accusations were leveled against Paul while in Ephesus at the Temple of Artemis. 
 
One can see the entire throng beginning to move in unison as if rushing at a rock concert or political gathering, hurrying to participate in the surrounding events. This then led naturally to the next event, where Luke records, “And there was a rallying of the people.”
 
Here is a word found only here in Scripture, sundromé. It is a noun signifying “a rushing together,” or literally “a concourse.” Saying “a rallying” gets the intent across because the accompanying words indicate that it was a riotous rallying.
 
As the crowd was moved, it was impelled toward the source of the events. All rallied to where the finger of the accusing Jews was pointed, meaning Paul. He is the focus of the rallying that has occurred. The violent actions of that are seen as the words continue, saying, “And, having seized Paul, they dragged him outside the temple.”
 
With a bloodthirsty lust, they grabbed Paul and dragged him out of the temple, supposing it was his actions that had brought defilement to their holy site. It is obvious that they intended to kill him. However, they didn't want to do so in the temple and further defile it with his blood.
 
Instead, they would do it outside. Further, to make sure that there could not be any further defilement, it next says, “and immediately the doors were shut.”
 
This would have been a hurried act by the priests to keep anyone else from coming in. These doors would have been the gates between the holy place and the Court of the Gentiles. Access to the temple was thus cut off from any but the priests. But no matter what would happen to Paul, because of the actions of the riotous mob, the good news of Revelation 21 would await him if this moment were to be his last –
 
“But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Revelation 21:22-27
 
Life application: In the world today, there are innumerable edifices that claim to be the focus of religious life for adherents of whatever religion is espoused. Judaism has synagogues, Islam has mosques, and Hinduism has temples. The Roman Catholic Church has churches spread out around the world, but the main focus of their religious life is found at the Vatican. Someday, Israel will again have a temple that will be considered the ultimate symbol of their faith.
 
These are locations where people meet and attend to their religious affairs. But despite being physical locations, this is shadow over substance. The true substance of rightly directed worship of God is not found in a building but in a Person. As Revelation 21:22 says, “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”
 
Jesus implied this in His words to the woman at the well in John 4 –
 
“Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:21-24
 
True and proper worship of God can occur anywhere and at any time. It is found in honoring God through the provision He has given to allow us to once again fellowship with Him, meaning the Person of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can atone for our sin, which separates us from God.
 
In this act of atonement, our prayers can be heard, our praises can be accepted, and our fellowship is restored. Don’t worry about a building or a location when you need to pour your heart out to God. Instead, cry out to Him through Jesus. In this, your words will be heard.
 
Lord God Almighty, how thankful we are for Jesus, who has made our calls to You possible. When we cry in anguish through Him, You will receive them and send comfort. When our hearts are overfilled with joy, and we extol You through Him, You will hear and be pleased. And when we have a need, You will attend to it according to Your wisdom because of Jesus. Yes, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Acts 21:29

Tuesday, 7 November 2023
 
(For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) Acts 21:29
 
In the previous verse, the Jews from Asia had leveled various charges against Paul. The last of those charges was, in their words, that “he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” As a note of explanation from Luke the next words are provided, saying, “For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city.”
 
This would be the same Trophimus noted in Acts 20:4 and who will be referred to in 2 Timothy 4:20. Though he has not been mentioned since Acts 20:4, he had been a member of the missionary party continuously referred to since then. He and any other Gentiles, including Luke, had clearly been welcomed into the houses of the Jews mentioned in Acts 21:4, 21:7, and 21:8.
 
Because of his many interactions with Paul and the others, Trophimus would have been at least visually known to these Asian Jews, being from Ephesus himself. Having seen him together with Paul, they assumed that he was Paul’s sidekick, to be taken everywhere he went, including the temple. That is seen in the words, “whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.”
 
This seems to confirm the idea mentioned in verse 28 concerning them already having been speaking against Paul to others in the city. They knew he was there, and they were determined to get him in one way or another. They were using the presence of Trophimus as a pretext to bring charges against Paul.
 
It never says they saw him bring Trophimus into the temple, only that they supposed he brought him into it. To make such a serious charge against him without actual proof meant that they did not care about the truth at all.
 
Life application: Israel was set apart as the people of the Lord. They were to refrain from becoming defiled and thus bringing defilement into the Lord’s presence, among whom they dwelt. However, throughout the Old Testament, they are continuously noted as defiling themselves.
 
The only thing that actually deemed them as holy was the Lord Himself. In Isaiah 65, speaking first of the Gentiles who sought the Lord, and who are then contrasted to the people of Israel, Isaiah calls out the word of the Lord –
 
“I was sought by those who did not ask for Me;I was found by those who did not seek Me.I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’To a nation that was not called by My name.2 I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people,Who walk in a way that is not good,According to their own thoughts;3 A people who provoke Me to anger continually to My face;Who sacrifice in gardens,And burn incense on altars of brick;4 Who sit among the graves,And spend the night in the tombs;Who eat swine’s flesh,And the broth of abominable things is in their vessels;5 Who say, ‘Keep to yourself,Do not come near me,For I am holier than you!’These are smoke in My nostrils,A fire that burns all the day.” Isaiah 65:1-5
 
Paul cites a portion of these words of in Romans 10, contrasting the Gentiles who had received Christ to the people of Israel who had rejected Him –
 
“But Isaiah is very bold and says:
‘I was found by those who did not seek Me;I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.’
21 But to Israel he says:
‘All day long I have stretched out My handsTo a disobedient and contrary people.’” Romans 10:20, 21
 
Israel, not believing Gentiles, stands as defiled before the Lord. Why? The reason is that none of us are holy except because of the Lord who purifies us. Israel’s holiness was positional, not actual. They, however, did not live out their positional state by backing it up with holy actions. When Christ came, He offered holiness to those who would, by faith, trust in Him.
 
Israel as a nation failed to do this. On the other hand, the Gentiles readily accepted the message, they were granted God’s righteousness, and they are deemed holy and set apart to Him. This continues to this day. Those, whether Jews or Gentiles, who come to God through Jesus are reckoned as holy. Israel, as a nation, remains in a state of defilement. Be sure to grasp this. Until they, as a nation, call out to Jesus, they remain – as Paul says in Romans 9:26 – not His people.
 
Israel is God’s people in the sense that there is a future for them under the Messiah. But they are not at this time His people as regards being set apart as holy. It is Jesus who makes the distinction. No Jew who has rejected Jesus is saved, nor is he holy. This is important to remember so that we do not fall into error concerning the state of Israel at this time.
 
Lord God, help us to clearly understand what You are doing in the stream of redemptive history at this time. You are calling forth a people unto Yourself out of all nations of the earth through simple faith in Your offering of Jesus, the Messiah of Israel and the Christ of the nations. May we proclaim this message loudly and clearly so that none are deceived about their relationship with You. All people need Jesus. Help us to get this word out! Amen.

Acts 21:28

Monday, 6 November 2023
 
crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” Acts 21:28
 
A more literal rendering would be, “crying out, ‘Men, Israelites, help!’ This is the man, teaching all everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place. And also, Greeks he brought into the temple and defiled this holy place” (CG).
 
In the last verse, Jews from Asia, seeing Paul in the temple, stirred up the crowds and laid hands on him. With that, they were also “crying out, ‘Men, Israelites, help!’”
 
Their goal was to solidify their position by appealing to the crowd as fellow Israelites. The implication is that even if Paul were a Jew, he didn’t measure up as a citizen of the nation. This is because of their coming words. He was, to them, essentially, a traitor. They were Israel, but this person was a friend of Gentiles. That is seen in their next words, “This is the man, teaching all everywhere against the people.”
 
The words “This is the man” imply that they had already informed people about him and maybe even warned them to keep an eye out for him if he came. They had failed to quiet him in their own land, and now they thought to do so while on pilgrimage in Jerusalem, where the crowds would be easier to manipulate from a sense of national and religious pride.
 
 And this is exactly how they have come against him, making accusations that he was both unpatriotic and apostate. But more, they next appeal to the main source of their national identity, saying, “and the law.”
 
They were all of Israel, but it was the law that set them apart as the people of the Lord. Moses was their great lawgiver, and their national leadership was based upon that, as is testified to in both testaments of Scripture. For example, Jesus said –
 
“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.’” Matthew 23:1-3
 
Because of Moses, the people were under those who administered the Law of Moses. This was understood just as the US Constitution is what guides and governs the law of the United States. The law was the basis for Israel’s religious, political, and cultural life. Along with their words concerning the law, they next bring in the edifice that is intimately tied to the religious administration of that law, saying, “and this place.”
 
It is referring to the temple itself. They accused him, incorrectly, of having defiled the temple. The word for “defiled” is koinoó. It literally means “to make common.” As the temple was considered holy, they claim his actions had defiled it by making it common. In such an instance, there would be a need to ritually cleanse the temple.
 
They were acting as if Paul was a contaminant that needed to be eradicated so that he would not affect the people, violate the law, or cause defilement to the temple. But more, they continue with untrue words, saying, “And also, Greeks he brought into the temple and defiled this holy place.”
 
The meaning of this will be explained in the coming verse. For now, Vincent's Word Studies provides the following on this –
 
“The Jews evidently meant to create the impression that Paul had introduced Gentiles into the inner court, which was restricted to the Jews. The temple proper was on the highest of a series of terraces which rose from the outer court, or Court of the Gentiles. In this outer court any stranger might worship. Between this and the terraces was a balustrade of stone, with columns at intervals, on which Greek and Latin inscriptions warned all Gentiles against advancing farther on pain of death. Beyond this balustrade rose a flight of fourteen steps to the first platform, on which was the Court of the Women, surrounded by a wall. In this court were the treasury, and various chambers, in one of which the Nazarites performed their vows. It was here that the Asiatic Jews discovered Paul.”
 
Life application: It must be remembered that the reason these people were riled up against Paul was ultimately because of one word: Gentile. There were innumerable Jews who didn’t adhere to Moses, they practiced sorcery, lied, cheated, made idols, etc., thus failing to adhere to the Law of Moses. These are seen in both testaments of Scripture.
 
Of such infractions, there was normally little or no response to their conduct. But once Paul, commissioned by Jesus as an apostle to the Gentiles, came on the scene, things never went well for him. And the One he proclaimed became completely disdained in their eyes. How could Jesus be the Messiah when He accepted Gentiles?
 
But this is exactly what Isaiah proclaimed –
 
“Indeed He says,‘It is too small a thing that You should be My ServantTo raise up the tribes of Jacob,And to restore the preserved ones of Israel;I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles,That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Isaiah 49:6
 
To this day in Israel, Jews can become Muslims, Buddhists, or pretty much any other religion they choose. They can even be atheists. And yet, they are accepted as Jews. But when a Jew converts and accepts Jesus as his Messiah, he is ostracized by much of the society.
 
Take time today to pray for those Jews who are willing to openly proclaim the Name above all names, Jesus. And pray that their testimony to their own people will be effective in changing hearts and minds. Israel needs Jesus. Until they call out to Him, bad times will continue to plague them.
 
Heavenly Father, there is a great deal of animus and even hatred towards You among the people of Israel. This is multiplied when the name Jesus is proclaimed. Help us to be willing to witness to this stubborn and rebellious group so that hearts and minds will be softened and converted. May it be so to Your glory. Amen.
 

Acts 21:27

Sunday, 5 November 2023
 
Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, Acts 21:27
 
The previous verse saw Paul being purified according to the temple rites and announcing the expiration of the days of purification. Continuing the narrative, it next says, “Now when the seven days were almost ended.”
 
This makes it certain that the seven-day duration of the previous verse began with Paul’s purification and that the offering would be made at the end of that period. From verse 24:11, in relation to the timeline of events, it appears that this was about the fifth day. There, it says, “because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.” It is right about this time, as these seven days were almost complete, that it then notes, “the Jews from Asia.”
 
At that time, Jews from Asia, meaning Jews who had been in the same locations that Paul had evangelized – and who had probably stirred things up against him previously – saw him in the temple. As it is the time of a pilgrim feast, it was a time when many Jews came to Jerusalem to meet old friends, share in cultural fellowship, and – above all – worship the Lord as instructed in the law. Of these Asian Jews in relation to Paul, it next says, “seeing him in the temple.”
 
Paul was still in the time of purification. Therefore, it was natural that he would be in the temple. It is because of this, and their unwillingness to determine the facts, that they will accost him. It is ironic that the very place where he was under rites of purification was to be the place which they accused him of defiling.
 
Instead of perceiving the truth of the matter, they simply relied on their memories of his past actions in Asia and began the attack. As it next says, they “stirred up the whole crowd.”
 
The verb indicates pouring things together so that they are mixed. Hence, they were confusing the situation in the minds of the people. It is a term found among medical writings of the time and which Luke would have probably used often in his own work. One can think of a doctor pouring various liquids together to form a particular medicine.As the verb is imperfect, it means that they began to stir up the crowd, and they continued to stir it up, getting the multitudes into a mass hysteria over Paul. Because of the crowd and the confusion that was brought upon them, it next says the crowd “laid hands on him.”
 
The meaning is that they were ready to commit physical harm against him at any moment. Once again, Paul has found himself in a dangerous situation from the agitations of his own people. It was, as he says in 2 Corinthians 11:26 “in perils of my own countrymen.” The message of the gospel was rejected by the nation. But hatred for that message came into its strongest focus because it is a message available to the Gentiles.
 
The idea of Jesus’ incarnation and sacrificial death for the sins of Israel could only mean that Israel was a nation of sinners. But more, it meant that the Law of Moses was incapable of correcting this situation. This notion was unconscionable to them. But more, that the same sacrifice of Jesus extended to Gentiles, who were not even a part of what God had been doing (or so they thought), was inexcusable to them. Paul was the herald of this message, and they wanted him eradicated because of it.
 
Life application: At the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Gaza in October 2023, a Jewish “rabbi” Chaim Richman, was being interviewed and said to the interviewer, “You guys are worshiping one Jew, that’s a mistake. You should be worshiping every single one of us because we all die for your sins every single day. And that’s exactly what’s going on here. We’re all God’s firstborn and we’re dying for your sins right now.”
 
This is the attitude of the Jewish people that attacked Paul, and it has permeated their society to this day. They cannot accept that it is they who need forgiveness of sin, not only individually but as a nation.
 
Until one comes to Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, there is a mental disconnect between one’s state as a sinner and the infinite holiness of God. This is why people grade themselves on a bell curve when asked why they should be allowed to go to heaven. A common answer is, “Well, I’m not as bad as...” or “Well, I’m a good guy.”
 
Such evaluations make oneself the acceptable standard of goodness, a standard that sets the bar for God’s decision. This is what Chaim Richman has done in relation to Israel. He has openly avowed that Israel is the standard of God’s holiness, that they alone have met it, and they are, therefore, to be worshiped as a people. All others are to be subject to them, not because of who God is in relation to them, but who they are in relation to God.
 
Rather, there can be only one standard of holiness: God alone. The incarnation of Jesus Christ means that Jesus is God come in human form. He, therefore, is the standard – the bar – by which all men will be judged. One will stand in relation to Him and be condemned or saved, and the only way to be saved is by faith that He is the offering for the sin of man.
 
This is the message of the Bible. We must come to God through Jesus, and when we do so, God’s infinite perfection – His righteousness, holiness, etc., is imputed to us. Without this, we are condemned already. Let us hail God, who has brought us back to Himself through Jesus!
 
Glorious God Almighty! Praises to You forever and ever because of what You have done. You are worthy of all our honor and praise simply because You are our Creator. How much more should we glorify You because You are our Redeemer! Thank You for Jesus Christ, who has made this possible. Praises to You, O God. Amen.

Acts 21:26

Saturday, 4 November 2023
 
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. Acts 21:26
 
The Greek is more literally translated as, “Then Paul, having taken the men on the following day – having been purified with them – entered into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of the purification, until which was offered the offering for each one of them” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, James repeated the requirements expected of Gentiles concerning their walk before the Lord. Now, in contrast to that, the hoped-for completion of the rites of the Nazirite previously discussed for the four men who had taken such a vow is noted. Paul included himself in these rites, thus identifying with them. That is noted, beginning with, “Then Paul, having taken the men on the following day.”
 
The word “them” is referring to the four men described by James in verse 23. Paul took the advice of James and the other elders and took these men on the very next day, “having been purified with them.”
 
Fully complying with James’ advice, he took the men and went through the mandatory rites of purification with them. This was in accordance with the law, and the period would be seven days. When those days were met, an offering was to be made for each individual. That is stated in the next words, saying he “entered into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of the purification.”
 
Of this, Charles Ellicott says, “The process lasted, as the next verse shows, for seven days, which were probably reckoned from the completion of the thirty days, or other term, of the vow itself. St. Paul, having made himself the representative of the Nazarite company, had to give, in their name, the formal notice to the priests, who were to be ready for the sacrifices when the seven days had expired. Seven days was, it will be noted, the ordinary period for the more solemn purifications (Exodus 29:37; Leviticus 12:2; Leviticus 13:6; Numbers 12:14; Numbers 19:14, et al.).”
 
Ellicott may be correct. There is nothing in the rites of the Nazirite to specify a seven-day period being required. However, if Paul was to be the representative for these men, a seven-day period might have been expected for purification purposes. No matter what, this was obviously a custom expected by the priests. Therefore, it next says, “until which was offered the offering for each one of them.”
 
The words “until which” could have various meanings. The Pulpit commentary says –
 
“Meyer makes ‘until’ depend upon ‘the fulfillment of the days,’ so as to define that fulfillment as not taking place till the offering was offered. Wieseler makes ‘until’ depend upon ‘he entered into the temple,’ with the idea supplied, ‘and remained there,’ or ‘came there daily;’ supposing that it was the custom for Nazarites to finish up their time of separation by passing the last seven days, or at least being present daily, in ‘the court of the women, where was the apartment appropriated to the Nazarites.’”
 
What seems logical based on the previous words, “having taken the men on the following day,” is that the rest of the days are future, not past. If it was past, it seems likely that Luke’s words would have been more precise concerning those seven days. Therefore, in these words, it is probably that Paul is declaring that the rites of purification had been administered, he was representing the four men, and after the necessary interval, he would make the offering for them.
 
Life application: The book of Hebrews says –
 
“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” Hebrews 10:1-4
 
The point of those words is that the rites and rituals of the temple were only outward, fleshly ordinances, a term used in Hebrews 9:10. They actually didn’t cleanse anything but were external rites that could never change the true nature of a person, making him permanently acceptable to God.
 
However, Christ, because of His complete cleansing of those who come to Him, makes us wholly and eternally acceptable to God. This is reflected in the words –
 
“‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,’ 17 then He adds, ‘Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.’ 18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.” Hebrews 10:16-18
 
In saying, “there is no longer an offering for sin,” it means that Christ’s work is a one-time and for all-time cleansing. No other offering for sin is acceptable, nor is it needed. As this is so, then why would anyone want to go back to the external, temporary, and futile rites and rituals of the Mosaic Covenant?
 
Jesus Christ purifies those who come to Him once and forever! Rejoice in that and be confident in your salvation and eternal cleansing. Take time today to read Hebrews 10:1-25. Think about what is being said there. Hold fast to faith in Christ as your hope. It is the sweet spot in what God offers to the people of the world.
 
Heavenly Father, it is beyond imagination to think about what You have done through the giving of Jesus. You have brought us back to Yourself, completely and perfectly, through His sacrificial offering. We rejoice in You and thank You. Praises be to You forever and ever! Amen.

Acts 21:25

Friday, 3 November 2023
 
“But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.” Acts 21:25
 
Paul was just told that he should consider going with four men who were completing their vows and to participate in their purification rites according to the law, also paying their expenses. That was intended to show all who saw that the things they heard about him were untrue and that he also walked in an orderly manner and kept the law.
 
With that remembered, James once again upholds the edict of the Jerusalem council. By doing so, he is determined that the Gentiles are to be considered acceptable to the Jews in the church regardless of their nature. Therefore, he begins with, “But concerning the Gentiles who believe.”
 
James has set a line between the Jews and Gentiles. The Jews are doing their thing, but what they were doing was not to be imposed on the Gentiles. The thing the Jews were doing is what he just said, they “kept the law.” On the other hand, he says, “we have written and decided.”
 
This refers to the formal edict published by the Jerusalem Council based upon the judgment rendered there. That explicitly said “that they should observe no such thing, except...”
 
In other words, they were not bound to any restriction, law, precept, custom, or tradition of the Jewish nation, nor to the Law of Moses. They were given complete freedom to live out their lives in the manner of their culture, laws, customs, traditions, diets, holidays, etc. All of this was to be without any question of impropriety in the minds of the Jewish believers.
 
However, the word “except” is given to introduce four points agreed on by the council that the Gentiles should avoid. And even those four things were not given as laws, but as hoped-for recommendations as evidenced by the words of their letter which said, “If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well” (Acts 15:29).
 
James next repeats the four recommended prohibitions, beginning with “that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols.” The word “should” is not in the original, even if it is implied. It more literally says, “to watch themselves from that sacrificed to idols” (SLT).
 
In Acts 15, it was clear that this doesn’t merely mean practicing idolatry, but abstaining from anything that is connected to the service of idols, such as partaking in sacrifices and offerings, etc. James does not go into the depth of the Law of Moses concerning this. Rather, it is a general statement set forth as a guideline for right living among believers. His words distance the decision of the council from the weight of the law in his words.
 
 He next says, “from blood.” The words form a general statement concerning a matter that is carefully detailed in the law. It is stated many times and in exacting ways concerning what was to be done with the blood. James’ decision completely separates the matter from the Law of Moses. But its main intent was surely to have the people consider why they were drinking blood in the first place. Several reasons were surely behind the decision.
 
One is that drinking blood was, and even today in some cultures is, intended to assimilate the power of the one whose blood was being drunk into the person drinking. Another reason is related to idolatry, where the blood of an animal that was sacrificed was consumed by the offeror as a way of fellowshipping with their god or gods.
 
Also, the shedding of blood has almost universally been considered a means of atoning for sin. This is seen in cultures around the world. But Christ’s blood is the only effectual sacrifice for the atonement of sin. This then is an object lesson concerning the nature of Christ’s sacrifice as much as anything else.
 
James next says, “from things strangled.” The Greek simply reads “and strangled.” The Greek word is pniktos, and this is its last use in Scripture. It signifies something killed without letting the blood out. Vincent’s Word Studies extends the thought to animals killed in snares. This is an inference, but it is probably the case.
 
The laws within the Law of Moses are detailed and explicit on how to treat the blood of animals sacrificed or simply slaughtered for meat. James, once again, gives a general statement concerning the matter, completely distancing the decision from the Law of Moses. With that, he finishes the thought with, “and from sexual immorality.”
 
The word in Greek is porneia. It signifies “selling off (surrendering) of sexual purity, promiscuity of any (every) type” (HELPS Word Studies). Quite often, it is associated with idolatry. James gives this general word, never mentioning the very strict laws associated with such things as set forth in the law of Moses. As such, it was another clear indication that the Law of Moses had no bearing on the decision.
 
In Acts 15, James said, “to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.”
 
In Acts 21, he says, “except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
 
His words, though being in a different order, are essentially the same. These were the only restrictions placed upon the Gentiles, and they are clearly only recommended prohibitions.
 
Life application: The words of James, repeated from Acts 15, are not words of law. If they were, then the Gentiles would be under their own set law, and grace would be excluded. But Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, has clearly indicated this is not the case in his epistles. These are recommendations given for a set purpose, which is to not cause conflict between the Jews that believe and the believing Gentiles they would encounter.
 
The Jews eventually stopped observing the Law of Moses as well, it being impossible to observe without a standing temple. Even if believing Jews continue to observe various aspects of the law as cultural customs, they are not under the Law of Moses any longer. That is made explicit in the book of Hebrews.
 
It was during the time that the temple was standing, a time when observing the law was culturally mandatory, that believing Jews continued to observe Moses. Paul includes himself when he confirms this in Romans –
 
“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” Romans 6:14, 15
 
The law is not grace. But believers are under grace, not law. Therefore, even if Paul observed Moses for set purposes that have been seen in Acts and in his epistles, he also did not observe Moses for set purposes as well. He did these things to win people to Christ. Do not let anyone steal you from the proper path. Your salvation is not dependent on what you do or do not do. It is dependent on your faith in what Christ has done, nothing else.
 
Glorious Lord God, today we rejoice in You and in Your goodness toward us through the giving of Your Son for our sins. He has freed us from the bonds of the law and set us on a path of grace. May we be all the more willing to please You in our walk of faith and holiness because of this wonderful blessing that rests upon us! Amen.
 

Acts 21:24

Thursday, 2 November 2023
 
“Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. Acts 21:24
 
A more literal rendering of the Greek is, “Having taken these, be purified with them and spend upon them so that they will shave the head. And all will know that which they have been informed about you is nothing, but you yourself walk also, keeping the law” (CG).
 
Paul was just told about four men who had taken a vow. Now, to help Paul’s image before the people, ensuring that they could not make unfounded claims against him, it next says, “Having taken these.”
 
It is referring to the four men just mentioned. Their way of helping Paul is to include others who were not in question concerning their keeping of the law. Paul was to take them and “be purified with them.”
 
In being purified with those who were being purified after a vow, it was as if Paul had included himself in the vow vicariously. There is nothing in the law that specifically allowed this, but there was nothing to preclude it as well.
 
By including himself in the vow, it would increase the number (and thus the cost) of the sacrificial offerings required. The priests would certainly have no problem with this. More than just being purified and identifying himself with these men, the words of James continue, saying, “and spend upon them so that they will shave the head.”
 
This is just what the law required. First, the offerings were made, and then the head was shaved –
 
“Then the priest shall bring them before the Lord and offer his sin offering and his burnt offering; 17 and he shall offer the ram as a sacrifice of a peace offering to the Lord, with the basket of unleavened bread; the priest shall also offer its grain offering and its drink offering. 18 Then the Nazirite shall shave his consecrated head at the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and shall take the hair from his consecrated head and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offering.” Numbers 6:16-18
 
James has suggested this for obvious reasons. If Paul were to join in the purification and also pay the expenses of the others, then it would be apparent that the charges against him were false and that he was, in fact, a law-abiding Jew.
 
It would be impossible to claim otherwise because he is accomplishing these things prior to any public accusations. The four men and the accompanying priest would be open witnesses to the fact. As this is so, James states it, saying, “And all will know that which they have been informed about you is nothing.”
 
This was not a minor point of the law that people might do out of cultural identification. Nor was it something so obviously required that even a non-observant Jew would still be sure to follow, such as not eating pork or failing to keep the Sabbath.
 
Rather, the Nazirite vow was a voluntary imposition upon oneself. It would be unthinkable that someone would lay this burden upon himself unless he truly respected the law and saw the benefit in assuming this burden. Therefore, James continues, “but you yourself walk also, keeping the law.”
 
The idea of walking is the conduct of one’s life. For example, one can walk contrary to the law, or one can walk in accord with the law. Therefore, to participate in the vows and sacrifices of these men was a way of ensuring people knew Paul was walking in step with Moses.
 
Of this verse, James Kypke (quoted by Meyer) says, “It was a received thing among the Jews, and was reckoned an act of eminent piety, for a rich man to undertake to bear, on behalf of poor Nazarites, the expense of those sacrifices which they had to offer when they shaved their heads at the expiration of their vow.”
 
Further, Vincent’s Word Studies says, “‘For a week, then, St. Paul, if he accepted the advice of James and the presbyters, would have to live with four paupers in the chamber of the temple which was set apart for this purpose; and then to pay for sixteen sacrificial animals and the accompanying meat-offerings’ (Farrar, ‘Life and Work of Paul’).  He must also stand among the Nazarites during the offering of the sacrifices, and look on while their heads were shaved, and while they took their hair to burn it under the caldron of the peace-offerings, ‘and while the priest took four sodden shoulders of rams, and four unleavened cakes out of the four baskets, and four unleavened wafers anointed with oils and put them on the hands of the Nazarites, and waved them for a wave-offering before the Lord’” (Farrar).
 
Life application: Walking, as noted above, indicates the way and manner of one’s life. If you believe you must walk according to Moses in order to be pleasing to God, then you are walking contrary to the gospel of Jesus, which says that Christ died for your sins.
 
Sin is imputed through infractions of the law. Christ never sinned under the law. Further, He gave His life up as the Substitute for our sins. To attempt to merit God’s favor by law observance means you are attempting to do so apart from Christ’s already accomplished work. As such, you have set yourself against Christ as if you are racing. Be advised that Christ has already won this race. Your attempts at meriting righteousness apart from Him means that you will be disqualified.
 
Rather, learn what it means to walk in Christ. From the book of Ephesians, Paul gives numerous thoughts on how we are to walk properly –
 
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
 
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
 
“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as [f]the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind.” Ephesians 4:17
 
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:1, 2
 
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10
 
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15, 16
 
These and many other charges are provided by Paul in his epistles. Never does he instruct his reader to be a law observer. Instead of self, walk in Christ and honor Him because of what He has done.
 
Lord God, may our walk in this life be pleasing to You by following in the footsteps of Jesus, who has accomplished all things necessary to reconcile us to You. Our walk is one of thankfulness and holiness in Christ. May we walk faithfully all our days, honoring Jesus and glorifying You through Him. Amen.

Acts 21:23

Wednesday, 1 November 2023
 
“Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. Acts 21:23
 
The words more literally say, “This, therefore, do what we say to you: With us are four men having a vow on themselves” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted by the church leaders to Paul that those in Jerusalem would meet, and it would be made known that he had come to Jerusalem for the feast. They continue by saying, “This, therefore, do what we say to you.”
 
James and the other elders have a plan that will hopefully convince the people of Paul’s still holding to the law and the customs of the people. Their recommendation is just that. They are not commanding Paul to do what they suggest but have devised a path that will make it open and public that he has remained faithful to the precepts of the people. That plan begins to be explained with the words, “With us are four men having a vow on themselves.”
 
Israel was given laws concerning vows within the Law of Moses. One of them was a Nazirite vow, carefully recorded in Numbers 6. Other vows and their binding nature upon the individual are recorded in Numbers 30. It is generally accepted that the vow now mentioned in Acts is dealing with the Nazirite vow.
 
Charles Ellicott, noting an ancient source, says that James himself lived his life under a Nazirite vow. The contents of the history say that “No razor came upon his head, and he drank neither wine nor strong drink.” Along with him, these four others had taken such a vow which was now expiring. They were apparently converted Jews that James was associated with.
 
These vows were of whatever duration the person decided. It could be for a month, a year, five years, etc. When the vow expired, they were to follow a very precise ritual explained in Numbers 6. Certain offerings were made at that time, and others could identify themselves with the vow and its fulfillment by helping to pay the expenses associated with the offerings. Those offerings, as detailed in Numbers, were as follows –
 
“Now this is the law of the Nazirite: When the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle of meeting. 14 And he shall present his offering to the Lord: one male lamb in its first year without blemish as a burnt offering, one ewe lamb in its first year without blemish as a sin offering, one ram without blemish as a peace offering, 15 a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and their grain offering with their drink offerings.” Numbers 6:15-15
 
Life application: Unlike the Old Testament, there are no particular vows detailed in the New Testament. However, the books of Psalms and Ecclesiastes are books of wisdom. These carry truths that extend to any given situation, whether during the time of the law or at any other time. They speak of man’s obligations before the Lord in a general way. In these books, the following words of wisdom are provided –
 
“Make vows to the Lord your God, and pay them;Let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared.” Psalm 76:11
 
The psalm is not saying that we must make vows. The point is that when vows are made, they are to be paid. This is a simple truth that exists at any given time. If a man says to the Lord, “I vow to give this thing to the church I attend,” it would be inappropriate for him to later renege on that vow. Nobody made him make the vow. He was under no obligation to make it. In vowing and then not following through, he has essentially lied to the Lord. Solomon continues with this line of thought, saying –
 
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it;For He has no pleasure in fools.Pay what you have vowed—5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” Ecclesiastes 4:4, 5
 
The Lord expects us to be people of integrity. If we are to keep our promises to those we interact with, how much more should we be willing to keep the vows we make to God? If there is a chance that we will not be able to fulfill that vow, it is better to not make the vow at all.
 
Having said that, if you made a vow before becoming a Christian, and it was a vow contrary to the faith or to your life in Christ, why would you feel obligated to keep it? Christ is the one who paid all of your debts before coming to Him, that would include any such vow contradictory to your new faith. Use reason in such matters. Just be sure that any vow you make to God as a Christian, you do your utmost to fulfill it accordingly.
 
O God, give us wisdom to conduct our lives properly before You. May we honor the commitments we make with others and with You. Help us to not speak rashly and later regret it. Instead, may we carefully consider the words that come out of our mouths. To Your glory, we pray. Amen. 

Acts 21:22

Tuesday, 31 October 2023
 
“What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. Acts 21:22
 
The words of this verse are significantly different based on the source text used –
 
LSV: ...what then is it? Certainly the multitude must come together, for they will hear that you have come.
 
LET: What is it then? Certainly they will hear that you have come.
 
In the previous verse, James and the elders noted that the multitude of believing Jews had heard that Paul was teaching apostasy from Moses and the customs of the people. Now, their words continue, beginning with, “What then?”
 
These words are given as an introduction concerning what is sure to occur and what should be done about it. Today, we might say, “Whadaya think? It is sure to be, and so what to do about it...” These leaders of the church are preparing, in advance, to avoid any problems that may arise from the rumors that had been spread about Paul and his teachings. With that, they next say, “The assembly must certainly meet.”
 
The word “assembly” is better rendered “multitude.” There would be a large gathering of people simply because Paul was such a hot topic. He would have the nonbelieving Jews attacking him because of his faith in Jesus. He would have the Judaizers attacking him because he taught the Gentiles that they were not obligated to Moses. And more, He taught all that Jesus was the fulfillment of the law.
 
Therefore, even if he never told a Jew to not observe Moses and the customs, the inevitable truth was that they were freed from such bondage. What they were doing by continuing to observe the law was as pointless as remaining in prison after one’s sentence was complete. His letters to the Gentiles could very easily be twisted to fit any situation they wanted to stir up. And this is exactly what Peter warned about –
 
“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.” 2 Peter 3:14-16
 
Any law-observing Jew, whether believer or unbeliever, could read his words, twist them, and use them against him, charging him with apostasy. Because he is now in Jerusalem, there would be little doubt that an angry crowd would be just around the corner. This is exactly what is implied in the next words, which say, “for they will hear that you have come.”
 
It was inevitable that the word would get out. It was the time of the feast. The people who had argued against Paul in Acts 15:1 & 2 would be there. His old associates from the Pharisees before his conversion would be there, etc. It wasn’t a question whether it would become known or not. Rather, it was a matter of just how soon until it took place. With a list of enemies a mile long and growing by the day, it would be easy to stir up the multitudes against him.
 
Life application: Peter’s words about Paul still resound today. There are those that take the words of this chapter and other parts of Acts and adamantly state that Paul always observed the Law of Moses. They then essentially say, “Because Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, and because he faithfully observed the law, it then logically follows that his adherents must also follow the Law of Moses.”
 
Rather, Paul explicitly denies this time and again in his writings. But to the unlearned, fear tactics are used to lead them away from the truth and directly into the very bondage that Christ Jesus came to free people from. Take time to read Colossians 2:11-23 today.
 
When he writes about “the handwriting of the requirements” in verse 14, he is writing about the Law of Moses. When he writes about food, drink, festivals, new moons, and sabbaths, he is writing about various things required under the law and within the customs of Israel.
 
Christ has freed us from these things. Don’t let anyone steal the prize from you. Jesus offers grace. If you choose law, you reject Jesus. Hold fast to the grace of God which is found in the completed work of Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Lord God, we are all susceptible to being led astray by those who desire control over us. Please guide us in understanding Your word so that we will be able to spot when such people come against us. May we be clear in our thinking so that we are faithful in our lives and sound in our doctrine. Yes, Lord God, lead us for Your name’s sake. Amen.

Acts 21:21

Monday, 30 October 2023
 
“but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. Acts 21:21
 
The words are more literally rendered, “And they have been taught about you that you teach apostasy from Moses – all those Jews among the Gentiles – telling them not to circumcise the children nor walk in the customs” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, a problem with Paul’s ministry, as perceived by some in Israel, had arisen. It said in those words, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are having believed. And all are zealots for the law.”
 
With the temple still standing, and with the leadership of Israel having rejected Jesus, the people were required to observe the Law of Moses. To teach otherwise was justification for being stoned to death. Now, to continue the thought, it says, “And they have been taught about you.”
 
The word translated as “taught” is katécheó. It signifies to be instructed orally. It is where we get our modern word catechism. Some, quite likely the Judaizers mentioned in Galatians, had been spreading falsities about Paul. Their words, as he was being told, were “that you teach apostasy from Moses.”
 
This was a way of imputing true wrongdoing, even evil, to Paul. It was a criminal charge against him, indicating that he was an apostate Jew. Their words were either an intentional lie, or what they were saying was a misunderstanding of Paul's instructions to the Gentiles.
 
He taught that there was now no distinction between Jew and Gentile. He also explicitly taught them that they were not bound to the Law of Moses. This is found time and again in his epistles, but it was fully supported by the decision rendered at the Jerusalem council as recorded in Acts 15.
 
Also, in his letter to the Galatians, he rebuked Peter for his hypocrisy in this matter –
 
“Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.” Galatians 2:11-13
 
Paul’s words to and about Peter continue to tell the truth of the gospel. However, Paul had not violated the command of the Jerusalem council. He had not told Jews not to observe the customs or the law. He states this explicitly in 1 Corinthians 9 while, at the same time, explaining what that meant –
 
“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
 
However, he was being charged with teaching apostasy from Moses to “all those Jews among the Gentiles.”
 
He had not done that. The decision of the council had been rendered, the temple was still standing, and to do so would have been contrary to what was expected of Jews at this time. Eventually, the Gentile church would gain complete ascendancy. With their rejection of Jesus, the nation of Israel would have its temple destroyed, they would be exiled, and they would remain in this state of punishment for the time set by God.
 
This was known to God. But until that occurred, there was still friction and tension between what was expected of Jews and Gentiles. Teaching Jews that they no longer needed to observe the law would only make things worse. Such a teaching, as some were claiming about Paul, was “telling them not to circumcise the children nor walk in the customs.”
 
Circumcision was first mandated to Abraham and his household. It was later made a point of law by Moses. In Galatians, Paul clearly taught that circumcision was not a part of salvation in Christ. The customs mentioned here refer to everything Israel was bound to, both by law and by the decisions rendered by the leaders of the people. Jesus taught the latter was true in Matthew –
 
“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.’” Matthew 23:1-3
 
These words were spoken by Jesus to Israel. None of what He said was imposed upon the Gentiles. Paul, though the apostle to the Gentiles, did speak to Jews about the Messiah. In order to accommodate them, he even had Timothy, whose mother was Jewish, circumcised (Acts 16:3). However, he did not have Titus, who was a Gentile, circumcised (Galatians 2:3). He was careful to follow the decision rendered at the Jerusalem council.
 
Life application: Other than aberrant cults, few in the church would argue that Jews today are in any way obligated to the Law of Moses. A simple read through the book of Hebrews shows with all clarity that the author (who was probably Paul) states that the law is done and over. This is explicitly stated in Hebrews 7:18, 8:19, and 10:9. It is implied in numerous ways as well.
 
Despite that, it needs to be remembered that at the time recorded in Acts, the temple still stood and the Jews who had not received the Lord were in control. As noted above, they would find any Jew not adhering to Moses as an offender of the law and subject to punishment and even death.
 
The law will again be brought into the lives of the nation of Israel in the end times. The final week of Daniel 9:24-27 (a period of seven years) is granted to them to lead them to the Messiah that they failed to recognize on His first advent.
 
Despite this allowance, having a rebuilt temple with all of the rites and rituals being conducted by them does not mean that they will be right with God. Until they call on Jesus, they are not His people (Romans 9:26). Only when they, as a nation, receive Jesus as the fulfillment and end of the law will they again be in a right standing with God. At that time, they will again be His people.
 
It is an important point of theology. Today, Christians are actively supporting the rebuilding of the temple and anticipating the restoration of the temple rituals. Instead of rejoicing over this, we should mourn that they have not, instead, taken the direct course to Jesus. Because of their rejection of Jesus, two-thirds of the nation will perish (Zechariah 13:8). Be willing to evangelize the Jews you know now. Like all people, without Jesus, there is no hope for them.
 
Glorious God, may we accurately and faithfully teach the truth about who Jesus is and what the gospel tells us. It is not by our works that we will be right with You. Rather, it is about what Jesus has done. Help us to think this through and be willing to share this simple, direct, and beautiful offer of restoration through the all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 21:20

Sunday, 29 October 2023
 
And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; Acts 21:20
 
More precisely, the Greek reads, “And they, having heard, were glorifying the Lord. And they said, ‘You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are having believed. And all are zealots for the law’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul told James and the elders in Jerusalem all that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. Now, in response to that, it says, “And they, having heard, were glorifying the Lord.”
 
Depending on the source manuscript, this will either say “Lord” or “God.” Verse 19 says “God,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it carries through to this verse. Either way, it doesn’t substantially change the intent. The Lord Jesus is the God/Man.
 
As for Paul’s work among the Gentiles, it was to these leaders a source of great praise and of glorifying the Lord. There is nothing in what is said here to somehow suppose that they felt jealousy or feelings of ill will towards Paul. Instead, they rejoiced in his apostleship and the fruit that it bore.
 
That is important because the rest of the verse and several verses to come are misused by Judaizers to indicate that Paul’s ministry was not working in accord with their own twisted view of the grace of God in Christ. Understanding this, Luke next records, “And they said, ‘You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are having believed.’”
 
Using the word “brother” indicates that they felt he was certainly in right standing among them and that they had friendly feelings towards him. That is a key point to consider in relation to the coming words.
 
They knew the details of Paul’s ministry. They knew and acknowledged that he taught that the Gentiles did not need to observe the Law of Moses. They knew that Peter had associated with the Gentiles and had been rebuked by Paul for his actions, as recorded in Galatians 2, etc.
 
However, they also knew that the temple was still standing, that the Law was still being observed by Israel, and that if they did not observe the law, it would only further complicate their lives and evangelism of the Jews. Thus, they remained obedient to the law for both cultural and practical reasons.
 
As for the word myriads, it indicates a large but indeterminate number, quite often in the tens of thousands. Some translations will say “thousands” instead of myriads in order to convey the sense to an English audience, but “myriads” or “tens of thousands” would be more appropriate.
 
This large, indeterminate number shows how the smallest of mustard seeds had truly grown into a great tree before Israel was eventually brought into judgment for rejecting Christ as a nation.
 
It is probably only about 25 or 30 years after the cross at this point. Further, adding in the Gentiles would bring the universal church up to a rather large number. Of these believing Jews, it next says, “And all are zealots for the law.”
 
It is James who is probably speaking. The word he uses is a noun, not an adjective. Thus, they are zealots. Thayer’s Lexicon says it signifies “a person with zealous enthusiasm who (literally) ‘boils over with passion.’” It says this because the word is derived from zeó, to boil or be hot. Thus, it figuratively refers to one who is passionate or fervent about a matter.
 
Those of Israel who had believed in Jesus during this period continued to be faithful observers of the law. The Gentiles were not of Israel, they were not in Israel, and they had never observed a single rite of the law. Instead, they came directly to Christ who is the fulfillment of the law.
 
As for the Jewish believers, their ability to observe the law would be ended with the temple’s destruction in AD70. It would be the final termination of the Law of Moses. From that point on, any observance of the law would be pointless.
 
Observing or not observing the law after coming to Christ did not affect their standing before the Lord. With the temple gone, they would be able to rely solely, and more properly, on the grace of God in Christ as is intended for all believers.
 
Life application: Just because these believers of Israel continued to be zealous for the law after coming to Christ, it doesn’t mean that their actions gave them any greater standing before the Lord.
 
This must be true, because without the temple after AD70, they remained saved. Not observing the rites of the law did not change their position in Christ at all. The time between the ascension of Christ and the destruction of the temple was a time of grace for Israel to turn to Jesus.
 
When that time ended, just as prophesied by Jesus in Luke 11:31, 32, the nation’s time was up, and the temple was destroyed. The focus of God’s attention turned solely to the Gentile-led church age, and that has continued to this day.
 
At the rapture, the focus will return to Israel. Until then, the Law of Moses cannot be observed, nor is it right for those in the church to attempt to do so, in part or in whole. We are to trust exclusively in the merits of Jesus Christ for our salvation and continued salvation. Don’t mar grace, but trust in Christ!
 
Lord God, thank You for the guarantee of eternal salvation that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.