A little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion.
Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
NEW COVENANT AND ACTS 21 CHALLENGED BY A HEBREW READER
A Hebrew reader recently made a comment after reading my letter "Unraveling Armstrong's Doctrinal Errors" on this blog.
Here is his interesting challenge which I will endeavor to answer.
ImAHebrew said...
Shalom Michael, you have made a very severe mistake in how you looked at Acts 21. Paul was accused/reported to be teaching JEWS which lived amoung the Gentiles, certain things. You don't make that distinction in your flawed argument. Paul submits to a sacrificial ritual to "prove" there is NOTHING (no truth) to those accuations/reports (Acts 21:25). You also fail to mention how the Believing Jews were Zealous in KEEPING THE LAW (Acts 21:20). And then, obviously, you failed to mention what happened later in Acts 28:17, where Paul reaffirms that he did not do as you and those who spread the false reports think he did, for he was not teaching the JEWS which lived amoung the Gentiles to forsake Moses, the circumcising of their children, or the customs. You need to re-write and re-think everything you have written about the Law of Moses and Paul. ImAHebrew
October 30, 2011 6:29 AM
Thank you for visiting my blog and offering your insights into Paul’s teachings and things written about him. I also have Hebrew Blood in my veins and grew up in a church that taught a blend of Old Covenant and New Covenant theology. So I have a unique perspective on issues of law and grace few people possess.
You state I have made an error in my understanding of Acts. 21. Here is why I believe and write what I do concerning the Law of Moses. I write in light of Jesus Christ the Messiah crucified instituting a New Covenant in His blood. The Holy Spirit given to believers and salvation made available to believers through grace by faith in Jesus. I use the NIV Bible throughout unless specified.
ACTS 15 -THE CONTROVERSY
The controversy begins at Antioch where Paul and Barnabas oppose teachings that salvation is only through Moses by circumcision and keeping the law.
Acts 15:1, 1 Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them.
Paul and Barnabas are asked by the church in Antioch to go to the church of Jerusalem and clear this up with the original Apostles.
Acts 15:2 “…So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.”
THE JERUSALEM CONFERENCE – JEWS AND GENTILES SAVED BY GRACE
The first men to speak up are a group of Pharisees (like Paul was) who are adamant about the same teaching.
Acts 15:5, 5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” Peter, after much discussion, intervenes to decide the issue. Peter was the one Jesus gave the authority to loose and bind in the church, so here he uses that power and authority (Matthew 16:19). Both Jew and Gentile were the same to God, both received the Holy Spirit and no distinction was placed on either in terms of salvation (Acts 10:43-47). Peter calls placing the burden of the law on the Gentiles “testing God.” Peter refers to this yoke one neither we (the Jews) nor their ancestors could bear. He concludes salvation is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that saves both Jew and Gentile alike.
Acts 15:6-11, The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
A letter is then sent out written by the Apostle James verifying this and giving only four commands for the Gentiles to keep. They did not have to become circumcised or obey the Laws of Moses.
Acts 15:19-20, “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.
ACTS CHAPTER TWENTY ONE - THE PROPHECY AND PAUL'S RETURN TO JERUSALEM
Before Paul went to Jerusalem a second time he was staying in Caesarea. A prophet from Judea named Agabus told Paul he would be bound by Jews in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles. The church members in Caesarea begged him not to go but Paul was not dissuaded and went anyway. What was to happen in Jerusalem was predetermined by Jesus to bring Paul to Rome. So what happened to Paul was God's will to which Paul readily submits ready to die in Jerusalem for Christ if necessary. Here is the account:
Acts 21:10-11, 10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’
ACTS TWENTY ONE - THE GREETING
When Paul and his companions arrive in Jerusalem they are greeted by James, the chief Apostle, and all the elders. The first thing recorded is James and those assembled together telling Paul that the believing/Christian Jews in Jerusalem are zealous after the law and have been informed that Paul teaches ALL the Jews among the Gentiles to forsake Moses. They correctly allege here Paul taught against circumcision and following the laws and customs of the Jews.
Acts 21:17-21, 17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.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.
I believe James was either in denial about the truth of what Paul was teaching, was in fear of the Pharisees in Jerusalem (Acts. 21:22), did not personally accept what Peter said in Acts 15 or, most likely, was in the process of growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Later James acknowledges that faith coupled with works is paramount and not deeds of the Law of Moses (Js. 2:14) James refers here to the Commandments of Jesus not of Moses. James wrote of the Law of Liberty instead (Js. 2:12-13).
Acts 21:22 22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. (NKJV)
ACTS TWENTY ONE – THE COVER-UP
James directed Paul to act as though the he was an observant Jew which ended up backfiring and getting Paul arrested and nearly killed in fulfillment of the prophecy of Agabus. Paul took part in a purification ritual by financing the four men who have taken a vow. This was apparently a Nazarite Vow found in the Torah, Numbers 6:2. The key is that Paul was not under a vow himself but merely financing the four who were.
Acts 21: 23-24, 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 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 TWENTY ONE – THE COVER-UP IS EXPOSED
While in the Temple Paul is recognized by Jews from Asia that know first hand what Paul teaches. These were at the Temple involved in some sort of activity there. These Jews could have been part of the controversy that began in Antioch. What Paul taught, in their view, was heresy and punishable by beating or stoning. It was the same thing Paul did to the Jewish Christians before his amazing conversion (Acts 9:20) immediately preaching Christ. The Jews from Asia knew Paul taught ALL men everywhere, against the people (Israel, Jews), the law (Torah), this place (Temple in Jerusalem).
Acts 21: 27-29, 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, 28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” 29 (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)
ACTS TWENTY ONE- THE AGABUS PROPHECY FULFILLED
Paul and his teachings were verified again and did not agree with what James wanted the people to believe. Paul was exposed by the Jews from Asia who knew what he actually taught to both Jews and Gentiles outside of Judea.
But was this the major lesson recorded here or secondary? Was the spreading of Paul’s message of Grace and Faith throughout the Gentile world the most important thing in Jesus’’ mind. I think so. The controversy had already been settled over what the correct view of the Torah was and what believers were bound to and loosed from in terms of law.
The prophecy is fulfilled and the Lord told Paul to be of good cheer because he had testified for Him in Jerusalem and would also in Rome (Acts. 23:11).
Acts 21:28, 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, 28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us!
Acts 23:11, The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
ACTS TWENTY TWO - PAUL’S PERSICUTION OF CHRIST
To analyze this passage is to discover that Jesus Christ had in fact literally ended the Old Covenant and replaced it with a New Covenant. If Paul, a Pharisee, a devout follower of the Law of Moses was persecuting Jesus, how could that be?
Paul had been hunting down Christian Jews and imprisoning and beating them for what, for following Jesus’ teachings? If the Christian Jews were keeping the Law of Moses what was to prosecute? On the contrary they were expelled from the synagogues for heresy, because they DID NOT follow the Law of Moses any longer. Paul testified of these things before the people who arrested him and the commander of the Roman garrison in Jerusalem.
Acts 22:6, 6“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ 8 “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.
JOHN CHAPTER FOUR – JESUS ENDS TEMPLE WORSHIP AND ESTABLISHES PAUL’S TEACHINGS
Before the beginning of the Jerusalem Church of Christ on Penticost 31 A.D. and before the crusifiction of the Messiah Jesus made a trip to Samaria to a town named Sychar (ancient Shechem) and at the Well of Jacob announced the end of Temple worship. Christ was living under the law at this time as was prophesied to fulfill all things.
John 4:21-26, 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
HOLY SPIRIT GIVEN - THE BODY OF THE BELIEVER BECOMES THE TEMPLE
I Corinthians 6:19-20, 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
CHRIST WAS THE FULFILLMENT AND END OF THE LAW
Matthew 11:13-14, For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
Romans 10:4, 4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
CIRCUMCISION IS NOTHING
Paul teaches that circumcision or uncircumcised is nothing but to keep the law of love is what matters. (John 15:12).
I Cor. 7:18-19, 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.
THE READING OF MOSES PLACED A VEIL OVER HEARTS- ONLY LIFTED BY TURNING TO CHRIST
2 Corinthians 3:13-18, 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
NO ONE IS JUSTIFIED IN GOD’S EYES BY WORKS OF THE LAW
Gal. 2:16, 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
ALL WHO TRY TO CONTINUE IN THE LAW MUST OBEY ALL THINGS IN THE TORAH
Who can do everything in the law? Peter said the Jews could not bear the burden in Acts 15:10. God said Isreal would not obey (Deut. 31:16-20). The song of Moses is God’s prophecy that Isreal would not keep the covenant (Deut. 32-33) No man has nor can he continue in the Law perfectly, the law was to reveal sin so God would be glorified in his righteousness and extension of Grace through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Galatians 3:10, 10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
THE TORAH/LAW WAS ONLY A TUTOR UNTIL FAITH CAME- UNTIL THE SEED
Jesus was the Seed promised to come from Abraham due to faith. The Law was only a tutor until faith. Christians are no longer under the Law. There is no longer Jew or Gentile…alone in Christ.
Galatians 3:19-29, 19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. 21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
A NEW COVENANT WAS PROMISED THAT MAKES THE OLD OBSOLETE
We cannot continue in the keeping of a law that has been fulfilled by a sacrifice and the blood of a perfect man, Jesus Christ our final atonement. Just like one does not continue to serve a commuted sentence or pay a forgiven debt.
Hebrews 8:10-13 (AB) 10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their minds, even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding, and engrave them upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11And it will nevermore be necessary for each one to teach his neighbor and his fellow citizen or each one his brother, saying, Know (perceive, have knowledge of, and get acquainted by experience with) the Lord, for all will know Me, from the smallest to the greatest of them. 12For I will be merciful and gracious toward their sins and I will remember their deeds of unrighteousness no more. 13When God speaks of a new [covenant or agreement], He makes the first one obsolete (out of use). And what is obsolete (out of use and annulled because of age) is ripe for disappearance and to be dispensed with altogether.
IN DEFENSE OF MY VIEW OF ACTS CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
The controversy was that men from Judea taught incorrectly that the Christians in Asia, both Jew and Gentiles, must be circumcised and follow Moses’ Law. They taught this was required for salvation. The Acts 15 conference concluded that all are saved through Faith and the law discarded as a burden and unnecessary. Acts 21 Was the fulfillment of a prophecy given by the Holy Spirit to the prophet Agabus not an indictment of Paul’s teachings as you argue.
James creates an event that will make it look like Paul is still an observant Jew and cause the rumors to die. The cover-up fails but not for reasons of any Mosaic Law violations per se but a false believe that Paul had brought Trophimus, a Gentile, into the Temple which was not permitted.
It was the arrest of Paul on false charges while participating in a Nazarite ceremony that was central. Paul had done nothing to violate any of the Temple laws but was falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the Temple. That is why Paul was arrested, drug out of the Temple and into the street, the Temple doors closed and he was nearly killed by the mob. This answers Acts 28:17.
Christ told Saul that he was persecuting Him. This could not be if what Jesus taught and what Saul practiced were the same, they were not. Saul was trying to wipe out the new Christian Church because of heresy against Moses’ Law.
Jesus had already announced the end of temple worship in John 4. So the Feast Days and the Sacrifices that were contained in Statutes and Ordinances could never again be observed. Paul taught the same thing after his conversion.
The body of the believer becomes the Temple of the Holy Spirit. No more requirements for a physical Temple or a physical priesthood in Jerusalem. Christ prophesied the physical temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed and it was in 70 A.D. Worship becomes in spirit and truth for God is spirit (Jn. 4:23-24).
Christ was the fulfillment and end of the law (Rom 10:4). Circumcision is nothing according to Paul (I Cor. 7:18-19). The reading of Moses without faith leaves one blind until Jesus is accepted then the veil is lifted. Paul taught no one is justified in God’s eyes by keeping the law ( Gal. 2:16). All were under the curse of the Law that was lifted by Jesus at His death. No one can obey and if they do they must keep the whole law.
The law was only a tutor until the Seed, Christ came, then it is of no use. A new covenant that was promised, not like the one I made with your fathers, has come and Christ is the mediator of a better covenant. The new has made the old obsolete (Hebrews 8:10-13).
Your position that Acts 28:17 proves I am in error about Acts 21 was answered previously in this section but once again, Paul’s assertion was correct in v17 in that he had not technically done anything in Acts 21 that was a violation of Temple Law and had been falsely accused that led to his arrest. So I do not believe I spread a false report as you suggest.
I feel my understanding of Acts 21 is solid based upon many different confirming passages found throughout the Old and New Testaments some of which I have offered today. There are dozens more offered in studies on my blog I hope you will explore.
Here is his interesting challenge which I will endeavor to answer.
ImAHebrew said...
Shalom Michael, you have made a very severe mistake in how you looked at Acts 21. Paul was accused/reported to be teaching JEWS which lived amoung the Gentiles, certain things. You don't make that distinction in your flawed argument. Paul submits to a sacrificial ritual to "prove" there is NOTHING (no truth) to those accuations/reports (Acts 21:25). You also fail to mention how the Believing Jews were Zealous in KEEPING THE LAW (Acts 21:20). And then, obviously, you failed to mention what happened later in Acts 28:17, where Paul reaffirms that he did not do as you and those who spread the false reports think he did, for he was not teaching the JEWS which lived amoung the Gentiles to forsake Moses, the circumcising of their children, or the customs. You need to re-write and re-think everything you have written about the Law of Moses and Paul. ImAHebrew
October 30, 2011 6:29 AM
Thank you for visiting my blog and offering your insights into Paul’s teachings and things written about him. I also have Hebrew Blood in my veins and grew up in a church that taught a blend of Old Covenant and New Covenant theology. So I have a unique perspective on issues of law and grace few people possess.
You state I have made an error in my understanding of Acts. 21. Here is why I believe and write what I do concerning the Law of Moses. I write in light of Jesus Christ the Messiah crucified instituting a New Covenant in His blood. The Holy Spirit given to believers and salvation made available to believers through grace by faith in Jesus. I use the NIV Bible throughout unless specified.
ACTS 15 -THE CONTROVERSY
The controversy begins at Antioch where Paul and Barnabas oppose teachings that salvation is only through Moses by circumcision and keeping the law.
Acts 15:1, 1 Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them.
Paul and Barnabas are asked by the church in Antioch to go to the church of Jerusalem and clear this up with the original Apostles.
Acts 15:2 “…So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.”
THE JERUSALEM CONFERENCE – JEWS AND GENTILES SAVED BY GRACE
The first men to speak up are a group of Pharisees (like Paul was) who are adamant about the same teaching.
Acts 15:5, 5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” Peter, after much discussion, intervenes to decide the issue. Peter was the one Jesus gave the authority to loose and bind in the church, so here he uses that power and authority (Matthew 16:19). Both Jew and Gentile were the same to God, both received the Holy Spirit and no distinction was placed on either in terms of salvation (Acts 10:43-47). Peter calls placing the burden of the law on the Gentiles “testing God.” Peter refers to this yoke one neither we (the Jews) nor their ancestors could bear. He concludes salvation is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that saves both Jew and Gentile alike.
Acts 15:6-11, The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
A letter is then sent out written by the Apostle James verifying this and giving only four commands for the Gentiles to keep. They did not have to become circumcised or obey the Laws of Moses.
Acts 15:19-20, “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.
ACTS CHAPTER TWENTY ONE - THE PROPHECY AND PAUL'S RETURN TO JERUSALEM
Before Paul went to Jerusalem a second time he was staying in Caesarea. A prophet from Judea named Agabus told Paul he would be bound by Jews in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles. The church members in Caesarea begged him not to go but Paul was not dissuaded and went anyway. What was to happen in Jerusalem was predetermined by Jesus to bring Paul to Rome. So what happened to Paul was God's will to which Paul readily submits ready to die in Jerusalem for Christ if necessary. Here is the account:
Acts 21:10-11, 10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’
ACTS TWENTY ONE - THE GREETING
When Paul and his companions arrive in Jerusalem they are greeted by James, the chief Apostle, and all the elders. The first thing recorded is James and those assembled together telling Paul that the believing/Christian Jews in Jerusalem are zealous after the law and have been informed that Paul teaches ALL the Jews among the Gentiles to forsake Moses. They correctly allege here Paul taught against circumcision and following the laws and customs of the Jews.
Acts 21:17-21, 17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.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.
I believe James was either in denial about the truth of what Paul was teaching, was in fear of the Pharisees in Jerusalem (Acts. 21:22), did not personally accept what Peter said in Acts 15 or, most likely, was in the process of growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Later James acknowledges that faith coupled with works is paramount and not deeds of the Law of Moses (Js. 2:14) James refers here to the Commandments of Jesus not of Moses. James wrote of the Law of Liberty instead (Js. 2:12-13).
Acts 21:22 22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. (NKJV)
ACTS TWENTY ONE – THE COVER-UP
James directed Paul to act as though the he was an observant Jew which ended up backfiring and getting Paul arrested and nearly killed in fulfillment of the prophecy of Agabus. Paul took part in a purification ritual by financing the four men who have taken a vow. This was apparently a Nazarite Vow found in the Torah, Numbers 6:2. The key is that Paul was not under a vow himself but merely financing the four who were.
Acts 21: 23-24, 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 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 TWENTY ONE – THE COVER-UP IS EXPOSED
While in the Temple Paul is recognized by Jews from Asia that know first hand what Paul teaches. These were at the Temple involved in some sort of activity there. These Jews could have been part of the controversy that began in Antioch. What Paul taught, in their view, was heresy and punishable by beating or stoning. It was the same thing Paul did to the Jewish Christians before his amazing conversion (Acts 9:20) immediately preaching Christ. The Jews from Asia knew Paul taught ALL men everywhere, against the people (Israel, Jews), the law (Torah), this place (Temple in Jerusalem).
Acts 21: 27-29, 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, 28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” 29 (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)
ACTS TWENTY ONE- THE AGABUS PROPHECY FULFILLED
Paul and his teachings were verified again and did not agree with what James wanted the people to believe. Paul was exposed by the Jews from Asia who knew what he actually taught to both Jews and Gentiles outside of Judea.
But was this the major lesson recorded here or secondary? Was the spreading of Paul’s message of Grace and Faith throughout the Gentile world the most important thing in Jesus’’ mind. I think so. The controversy had already been settled over what the correct view of the Torah was and what believers were bound to and loosed from in terms of law.
The prophecy is fulfilled and the Lord told Paul to be of good cheer because he had testified for Him in Jerusalem and would also in Rome (Acts. 23:11).
Acts 21:28, 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, 28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us!
Acts 23:11, The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
ACTS TWENTY TWO - PAUL’S PERSICUTION OF CHRIST
To analyze this passage is to discover that Jesus Christ had in fact literally ended the Old Covenant and replaced it with a New Covenant. If Paul, a Pharisee, a devout follower of the Law of Moses was persecuting Jesus, how could that be?
Paul had been hunting down Christian Jews and imprisoning and beating them for what, for following Jesus’ teachings? If the Christian Jews were keeping the Law of Moses what was to prosecute? On the contrary they were expelled from the synagogues for heresy, because they DID NOT follow the Law of Moses any longer. Paul testified of these things before the people who arrested him and the commander of the Roman garrison in Jerusalem.
Acts 22:6, 6“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ 8 “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.
JOHN CHAPTER FOUR – JESUS ENDS TEMPLE WORSHIP AND ESTABLISHES PAUL’S TEACHINGS
Before the beginning of the Jerusalem Church of Christ on Penticost 31 A.D. and before the crusifiction of the Messiah Jesus made a trip to Samaria to a town named Sychar (ancient Shechem) and at the Well of Jacob announced the end of Temple worship. Christ was living under the law at this time as was prophesied to fulfill all things.
John 4:21-26, 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
HOLY SPIRIT GIVEN - THE BODY OF THE BELIEVER BECOMES THE TEMPLE
I Corinthians 6:19-20, 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
CHRIST WAS THE FULFILLMENT AND END OF THE LAW
Matthew 11:13-14, For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
Romans 10:4, 4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
CIRCUMCISION IS NOTHING
Paul teaches that circumcision or uncircumcised is nothing but to keep the law of love is what matters. (John 15:12).
I Cor. 7:18-19, 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.
THE READING OF MOSES PLACED A VEIL OVER HEARTS- ONLY LIFTED BY TURNING TO CHRIST
2 Corinthians 3:13-18, 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
NO ONE IS JUSTIFIED IN GOD’S EYES BY WORKS OF THE LAW
Gal. 2:16, 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
ALL WHO TRY TO CONTINUE IN THE LAW MUST OBEY ALL THINGS IN THE TORAH
Who can do everything in the law? Peter said the Jews could not bear the burden in Acts 15:10. God said Isreal would not obey (Deut. 31:16-20). The song of Moses is God’s prophecy that Isreal would not keep the covenant (Deut. 32-33) No man has nor can he continue in the Law perfectly, the law was to reveal sin so God would be glorified in his righteousness and extension of Grace through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Galatians 3:10, 10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
THE TORAH/LAW WAS ONLY A TUTOR UNTIL FAITH CAME- UNTIL THE SEED
Jesus was the Seed promised to come from Abraham due to faith. The Law was only a tutor until faith. Christians are no longer under the Law. There is no longer Jew or Gentile…alone in Christ.
Galatians 3:19-29, 19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. 21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
A NEW COVENANT WAS PROMISED THAT MAKES THE OLD OBSOLETE
We cannot continue in the keeping of a law that has been fulfilled by a sacrifice and the blood of a perfect man, Jesus Christ our final atonement. Just like one does not continue to serve a commuted sentence or pay a forgiven debt.
Hebrews 8:10-13 (AB) 10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their minds, even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding, and engrave them upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11And it will nevermore be necessary for each one to teach his neighbor and his fellow citizen or each one his brother, saying, Know (perceive, have knowledge of, and get acquainted by experience with) the Lord, for all will know Me, from the smallest to the greatest of them. 12For I will be merciful and gracious toward their sins and I will remember their deeds of unrighteousness no more. 13When God speaks of a new [covenant or agreement], He makes the first one obsolete (out of use). And what is obsolete (out of use and annulled because of age) is ripe for disappearance and to be dispensed with altogether.
IN DEFENSE OF MY VIEW OF ACTS CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
The controversy was that men from Judea taught incorrectly that the Christians in Asia, both Jew and Gentiles, must be circumcised and follow Moses’ Law. They taught this was required for salvation. The Acts 15 conference concluded that all are saved through Faith and the law discarded as a burden and unnecessary. Acts 21 Was the fulfillment of a prophecy given by the Holy Spirit to the prophet Agabus not an indictment of Paul’s teachings as you argue.
James creates an event that will make it look like Paul is still an observant Jew and cause the rumors to die. The cover-up fails but not for reasons of any Mosaic Law violations per se but a false believe that Paul had brought Trophimus, a Gentile, into the Temple which was not permitted.
It was the arrest of Paul on false charges while participating in a Nazarite ceremony that was central. Paul had done nothing to violate any of the Temple laws but was falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the Temple. That is why Paul was arrested, drug out of the Temple and into the street, the Temple doors closed and he was nearly killed by the mob. This answers Acts 28:17.
Christ told Saul that he was persecuting Him. This could not be if what Jesus taught and what Saul practiced were the same, they were not. Saul was trying to wipe out the new Christian Church because of heresy against Moses’ Law.
Jesus had already announced the end of temple worship in John 4. So the Feast Days and the Sacrifices that were contained in Statutes and Ordinances could never again be observed. Paul taught the same thing after his conversion.
The body of the believer becomes the Temple of the Holy Spirit. No more requirements for a physical Temple or a physical priesthood in Jerusalem. Christ prophesied the physical temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed and it was in 70 A.D. Worship becomes in spirit and truth for God is spirit (Jn. 4:23-24).
Christ was the fulfillment and end of the law (Rom 10:4). Circumcision is nothing according to Paul (I Cor. 7:18-19). The reading of Moses without faith leaves one blind until Jesus is accepted then the veil is lifted. Paul taught no one is justified in God’s eyes by keeping the law ( Gal. 2:16). All were under the curse of the Law that was lifted by Jesus at His death. No one can obey and if they do they must keep the whole law.
The law was only a tutor until the Seed, Christ came, then it is of no use. A new covenant that was promised, not like the one I made with your fathers, has come and Christ is the mediator of a better covenant. The new has made the old obsolete (Hebrews 8:10-13).
Your position that Acts 28:17 proves I am in error about Acts 21 was answered previously in this section but once again, Paul’s assertion was correct in v17 in that he had not technically done anything in Acts 21 that was a violation of Temple Law and had been falsely accused that led to his arrest. So I do not believe I spread a false report as you suggest.
I feel my understanding of Acts 21 is solid based upon many different confirming passages found throughout the Old and New Testaments some of which I have offered today. There are dozens more offered in studies on my blog I hope you will explore.
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