The Pilgrim Path---Acts 21: 17 – 26

When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the followingly day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealots for the law, 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. What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 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. 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.” Then Paul took the men, and the next fay 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.

“DO THEREFORE WHAT WE TELL YOU”

The Apostle Paul was the theologian and evangelist of the early church. He was a Jew. He was a Pharisee brought to life by the God-Man Jesus. No one was more zealous for the Gospel among Jews and Gentiles. He goes to Jerusalem---driven by the Spirit---and gives an update on the LORD’S work through him. Jerusalem is the “home” of the church at the time. It is the headquarters of the Body---the Synod, governing---guiding arm of the saints. Questions continue to arise about the place of the Law in the lives of Jewish Christians. Questions need to be settled about the extent of liberties possessed by Gentile Followers of Jesus Christ. Isn’t it interesting that in this passage---James the Apostle, along with the Elders tell Paul, “Do what we tell you?” They all knew Paul’s place was a crucial one. The way he spoke and acted would be important for the advancement of the understanding and truth of the Gospel. Paul had to demonstrate that he was not an enemy to the Mosaic code, yet an adherent to salvation by grace through faith alone in Jesus. He also had to help the Church demonstrate that he was not some libertine---who was averse to personal holiness and the full scope of sanctification in the Savior.

The leaders of the church had four men (Jewish Christians) who were ready to undertake Nazirite vows. They wanted Paul to assist them. Well, Paul had done something similar in Acts 18: 18. Paul had taught that Gentiles need “not” follow any aspect of the Law for salvation. He did not believe following any component of the Law merited salvation for a Jew. What we must see in this text---this was no power play by the leaders in Jerusalem. It was a decision made for the glory of God and the long-term benefit of souls. The beauty of the passage: Paul complied with the directive of church leadership. This incredible man---without peer in the early church---surrendered his will. What humility. What a testimony to the Spirit of Jesus Christ…

In the modern Church, this spirit can be hard to find. The modern Church is not without her flaws---but are her members no longer responsible or accountable? There will be few times when you may be given a directive---I wonder if you would listen?

From F. F. Bruce: Self-preservation was not a motive highly esteemed by Paul; his main concern was to fulfil the course which Christ had marked out for him, bearing witness to the good news of God’s free grace in Christ. Life or death was not the issue that really mattered: what mattered most was, as he said himself to another church, that “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death” (Philippians 1: 20).

From Simon Kistemaker: Paul’s purpose for going to Jerusalem was to promote the unity of the church. He wanted to bring together representatives of the Gentile Christian churches abroad and those of the Jewish Christian church in Jerusalem. He himself would do everything in his power to maintain that unity, even if he had to undergo purification rites and pay for sacrifices.

From John Duncan: “Fulfil yourself” is the vague and cloudy cry of some shallow analysts of man’s nature. Fulfil what? …Your fallen nature, or the new creature?

From Augustine: When I come to be united to Thee with all my being, then there will be no more pain and toil for me, and my life shall be a real life, being wholly filled by Thee.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason