Acts 43. Acts 21:17-26

 For Thought and Discussion: 

a. In your judgment, did the request for Paul to pay for the Nazirites undermine the agreement mentioned in 21:25? Why or why not? 

That agreement applied to Gentile churches. Here Paul was requested to take steps to confirm his personal standing as an observant Jew

 

b. By joining in Jewish rites, do you think Paul was undermining his teaching to the Gentiles in Galatians 2:11–5:15? Was he being like Peter in Galatians 2:11-14? Why or why not? (You might look at Romans 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.) 

The issue mentioned in Galatians was the critical need not to compromise on justification by faith alone: Gentiles (or Jews) must not think that they need to follow Jewish rituals to be saved. This was not a salvation issue. He did not want to cause unnecessary misunderstanding and offence. 

 

Peter had behaved without integrity in changing his behaviour when observed by conservative Jews , for fear of being thought irreligious. He should have felt free to follow his own conscience. It was not just a matter of 'not stumbling' the Jerusalem Jews - his behaviour implied that eating with Gentiles was wrong, and would have given the impression to the Gentiles that Jewish rituals were 'really' non-negotiable.

 

c. Was Paul right or wrong to participate in the purification and the Nazirite vows? What scriptural principles determine your opinion?

• submission to authority (Heb 13:17) "Do therefore what we tell you" (v.23)
• desire for peace without compromise of the truth (Rom 12:18)
• acting according to one's status. Paul was a Jew and proud of it; not a Gentile 
• Not stumbling others (1 Cor 8:13) is a reference to the strong’s reesponsibility to the weak. Here there is no question of tumbling. It is the weak that is demanding compliance from the strong. 

1. Why did the leaders of the Jerusalem church want Paul to participate in the vow (see 21:20-25)? In their eyes, how would this act serve the gospel? 

 It would correct a misunderstanding of Paul's theology and make his ministry more acceptable to Jewish Christians.

 It would also send the message that the church in Jerusalem was not wrong to associate with Paul.

 

2. What might have been some of Paul’s reasons for doing as these believers asked? (Do 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 and Romans 14:13–15:3 shed light on his possible motives?) 

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Paul is willing to change his behaviour and communication methods (but not his principles) depending on the context in order that the gospel might spread effectively. He had a servant attitude in using his freedom

 

Romans 15:1-2 

 Being 'strong' was having a clear grasp of the principles of the gospel, leading to less scruples about following ritual. These believers are more mature and know they have greater liberty Paul says that these must be patient with those who have scruples and reservations, and not simply to do what they know is right.

3. What can 21:17-26 teach us about dealing with differences within the church today?

Genuine joy in one another (v.17)

Genuine gratitude and worship to God (v.20a) 

Explanation of the problem (v.20b-22)

Provision of a solution to the immediate problem  (v.23-24)

Looking out for other parties that might have an interest in the situation (v. 25) 

Submission  (v.6)

 

Optional Application: Are you called upon to weigh Christian fellowship against personal beliefs about what should be done? If so, what should you choose? (Talk to God about this.) 

 

 

Optional Application: What ethnic or religious customs (Jewish, Catholic, American, African, and so on) may a believer practice, and what customs may he not practice? (Think of some specific examples that are important to you.) How do you decide?
All religious customs involving worship are forbidden. (joss sticks, praying to ancestors, funeral rites)

All cultural customis are fine (red packets, wakes)