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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 21:15-26

In these verses we have, I. Paul's journey to Jerusalem from Caesarea, and the company that went along with him. 1. They took up their carriages, their bag and baggage, and as it should seem, like poor travellers or soldiers, were their own porters; so little had they of change of raiment. Omnia mea mecum porto?My property is all about me. Some think they had with them the money that was collected in the churches of Macedonia and Achaia for the poor saints at Jerusalem. If they could have... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 21:17-26

21:17-26 When we arrived in Jerusalem the brethren received us gladly. On the next day Paul along with us went to visit James; and all the elders were present. He greeted them and recounted one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. When they heard the story they glorified God. They said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews who have accepted the faith. Now they are all devotees of the Law. They have heard rumours about... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 21:25

As touching the Gentiles which believe ,.... This is said, to show that the Jews were not offended with Paul, for not insisting upon the circumcision of the believing Gentiles, and their conformity to the ceremonial law; and to remove an objection that Paul might make, that should he comply with this advice, and the believing Gentiles should hear of it, it might be a stumblingblock and a snare to them; who by his example, might think themselves obliged to regard the law: Beza's ancient copy... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 21:26

Then Paul took the men ,.... The four men that had the vow on them; he joined himself to them, and put himself in the same condition, and under a like vow: this he did, not as what he thought himself bound to do in obedience to the law, and much less as necessary to salvation; but to satisfy weak minds, and remove their prejudices, that he might gain them, and be useful to them; and in such a case he would very easily and readily condescend; but when such like things were insisted upon as... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:25

As touching the Gentiles - See the notes on Acts 15:1-21 (note), and the additional observations at the end of that chapter. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:26

To signify the accomplishment, etc. - Διαγγελλων , Declaring the accomplishment, etc. As this declaration was made to the priest, the sense of the passage is the following, if we suppose Paul to have made an offering for himself, as well as the four men: "The next day, Paul, taking the four men, began to purify, set himself apart, or consecrate himself with them; entering into the temple, he publicly declared to the priests that he would observe the separation of a Nazarite, and continue... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:25

Verse 25− 25.And as concerning those which have believed. They add this lest they be thought to go about to take away or call back that liberty which they had granted to the Gentiles, so that they may be burdened with some prejudice. But, in the mean season, they seem to keep the Jews in bondage, from which they set free the Gentiles alone in plain words. I answer, forasmuch as the estate of all was alike, like liberty was granted to both. But there is mention made of the Jews, who were so... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:26

Verse 26− 26.Whereas some accuse Paul of subtilty, − (483) as if he did play the hypocrite, I have before refuted this. Yet I do not deny but that he granted to do thus much at the request of the brethren, being thereunto in a manner enforced. Therefore, it hath more color, and is (as they say) more disputable, that he was too easily entreated, and too ready to obey; and yet I do not admit that which some men say, that it went not well with Paul, because, taking upon him a new and unwonted... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:15-26

Arrival and reception at Jerusalem. Notice— I. THE DECIDED ADVANCE IN THE MINDS OF THE LEADING DISCIPLES AMONG THE JEWS . 1. They gladly welcomed Paul, and heard his narrative of missionary work, which included labor among the Gentiles. They glorified God for it. 2. They made no demand upon Paul as to renouncing his advanced position, but acquiesced in it. 3. They must have resisted the extreme Judaistic party in order to do so. II. THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:15-40

The compromise. The introduction of Christianity into the world while the temple was still standing, and the Law of Moses with all its Levitical and ceremonial ordinances was still in force, might have issued in three ways. 1. All converts to the faith of Jesus Christ from among the Gentiles might have been forced to become Jews, as far as submission to the whole Law was concerned. 2. Or the Old Testament might then and there have been superseded by the New, and the Jewish... read more

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