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Acts 21

And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

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.

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's 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.

And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

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.

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

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 purifcation, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

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.

(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

What does Acts 21:24 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:24 speaks of an episode involving the Apostle Paul during his visit to Jerusalem.

The verse contains instructions given to Paul by James and the elders of the Jerusalem church.

Paul is urged to undergo a ritual purification alongside others and to sponsor their associated expenses, which includes having their heads shaved.

This act was to prove that he still observed the Mosaic Law and to counteract rumors that he was teaching Jews living among Gentiles to forsake the Law.

This ritual was likely tied to a Nazirite vow, a special act of dedication to God involving abstaining from wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies (Numbers 6:1-21).

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Historical Context

The Book of Acts is a historical account of the early Christian church, written by Luke.

In Chapter 21, Paul’s journey brings him to Jerusalem where he encounters Jewish Christians who are zealous for the Law.

There was suspicion and potential hostility towards Paul because of reports that he advocated against Jewish customs among the Gentile converts.

Taking part in the rites was a way to show his respect for the Jewish law and traditions, despite his mission to the Gentiles.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the tension between Jewish traditions and the new Christian faith.

Some interpret Paul’s actions as a way to build bridges between Jewish and Gentile believers, showing respect for Jewish customs while also affirming the freedom found in Christ. Others see it as a compromise or a pragmatic approach to diffuse the tensions that could hinder his mission.

Practical Applications

The verse demonstrates the importance of sensitivity to cultural and religious traditions of others.

It shows that while one may have personal freedom in faith, it is sometimes necessary to make concessions for the sake of unity and peace within a community.

This has practical applications in modern contexts where diverse beliefs often coexist, and where the actions of an individual can be misconstrued and cause discord.

Cross-References

Acts 18:18 - "And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow."
Numbers 6:18 - "And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words include "hagnízo" (ἁγνίζω) meaning "purify" and "dapanáō" (δαπανάω) meaning "to be at charges" or "spend". These words emphasize the ceremonial act of cleansing and the financial aspect of the ritual.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to the Nazirite vow in Judaism, other ancient cultures had purification rituals and ascetic practices. For example, in some Hellenistic cults, there were rites of purification and acts of devotion that involved personal sacrifices and periods of abstinence.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly correspond to scientific concepts, the practices of ritual purification have been studied from anthropological and sociological perspectives, analyzing how such rites function within societies to create social cohesion and how they correspond to concepts of cleanliness and health.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various perspectives on this verse.

Some suggest that Paul's agreement to participate in the ritual was an expression of his willingness to become "all things to all men" (1 Corinthians 9:20-22).

Others view it as a strategic move to assuage the concerns of the Jerusalem church while maintaining his mission to the Gentiles.

Still others criticize this approach, thinking that it undermined the message of grace he preached.

Overall, commentators are divided, and their interpretations often reflect their theological leanings regarding law and grace.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 21:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?