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The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:26

Went for entered, A.V.; declaring the fulfillment for to signify the accomplishment, A.V.; the offering was for that an offering should be, A.V. Paul took the men . St. Paul's acquiescence in James's advice is an instance of what he says of himself ( 1 Corinthians 9:20 ), and is in accordance with his conduct in circumcising Timothy ( Acts 16:3 ). But that he did not attach any intrinsic importance even to circumcision, and much less to the minor Jewish ceremonies, is clear... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 21:21

And they are informed of thee - Reports respecting the conduct of Paul would be likely to be in circulation among all at Jerusalem. His remarkable conversion, his distinguished zeal, his success among the Gentiles, would make his conduct a subject of special interest. Evil-minded men among the Jews, who came up to Jerusalem from different places where he had been, would be likely to represent him as the decided enemy of the laws of Moses, and these reports would be likely to reach the ears of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 21:22

What is it therefore? - What is to be done? What is it proper to do to avoid the effects of the evil report which has been circulated? What they deemed it proper to do is suggested in the following verses.The multitude - The multitude of Jews.Must needs come together - There will be inevitably a tumultuous assemblage. It will be impossible to prevent that. The reasons were, because the minds of the Jews were exceedingly agitated that one of their own countrymen had, as they understood, been... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 21:23

We have four men - There are with us four men. It is evident that James and the elders meant to say that these men were connected with them in the Christian church; and the fact shows that the Christians at Jerusalem did not disregard the institutions of Moses, and had not been so far enlightened in the doctrines of Christianity as to forsake yet the ceremonial rites of the Jews.Which have a vow on them - Which have made a vow. See the notes on Acts 18:18. From the mention of shaving the head... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 21:24

Them take - Take with you. Join yourself with them.And purify thyself with them - Join them in observing the forms of purification prescribed by the Law of Moses in the observance of the vow of the Nazarite. The purifying here refers to the vows of sanctity which the Nazarites were to observe. They were to abstain from wine and strong drink; they were to eat no grapes, moist or dried; they were to come near no dead body, nor to make themselves “unclean” for their father, mother, brother, or... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 21:25

As touching the Gentiles - In regard to the Gentile converts. It might be expedient for Paul to do what could not be enjoined on the Gentiles. They could not command the Gentile converts to observe those ceremonies, while yet it might be proper, for the sake of peace, that the converts to Christianity from among the Jews should regard them. The conduct of the Christians at Jerusalem in giving this advice, and of Paul in following it, may be easily vindicated. If it be objected, as it has been... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 21:26

Then Paul took the men - Took them to himself; united with them in observing the ceremonies connected with their vow. To transactions like this he refers in 1 Corinthians 9:20; “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the Law, as under the Law, that I might gain them that are under the Law.” Thus, it has always been found necessary, in propagating the gospel among the pagan, not to offend them needlessly, but to conform to their innocent customs... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 21:20-21

Acts 21:20-21. When they heard it, they glorified the Lord The Lord Christ, for this wonderful demonstration of his presence and grace, with his servant; and said, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe Many of these, doubtless, had come from different parts of the country, and some, probably, from remote provinces to Jerusalem, on occasion of this feast. Well might our Lord compare his religion to a grain of mustard-seed, seeing it had spread so... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 21:22-25

Acts 21:22-25. What is it therefore Which may not be apprehended on such an occasion? Or, what is to be done? the multitude must needs come together They will certainly be gathered together in a tumultuous manner, unless they be some way pacified. For they will hear that thou art come And will immediately form their judgment of the truth or falsehood of the information they have received, by what they discover in thy present behaviour, of regard or disregard to the Mosaic ceremonies. ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 21:26-28

Acts 21:26-28. Then Paul took the men Agreeably to the advice which he had received from James and the elders. And the next day, purifying himself with them According to the rites of the law; entered into the temple, to signify To the priest; the accomplishment That is, their resolution to accomplish the seven days of purification Till all the sacrifices should be offered which the Mosaic law required. And when the seven days of purification were almost ended, the Jews which... read more

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