Many argue that Paul and the other apostles taught against the law. They argue that the law is obsolete after the death and resurrection of Yeshua. As we read in Acts 21, we see quite the opposite among Paul and James.
In fact, it does not take long to bring up the subject of the law. Paul is sharing what God has done with the elders in Jerusalem when he arrives in that city. They are not jealous, but happy to see what God is doing through Paul. The discussion quickly moves toward a different topic though, indicating the high importance of the subject.
People have been spreading rumors about Paul that he teaches against the law of God. The elders give advice to Paul on how to dispel the rumors to show that he does teach and live out the law.
There is no hypocrisy or deceit here. Paul consistently obeys the law throughout scripture. He is sometimes misunderstood. As he taught the Gentiles he focused them on a few important things to get started so they would not be overwhelmed by all of the law at once. Some took that to mean Paul rejected the law. It was always Paul’s pattern to continue teaching those who followed Yeshua more about what God commands as they continue to study with him. Paul again demonstrates humility in accepting this advice as an effective communication tool to the Jews in Jerusalem. Paul participates in the ending of a Nazarite vow by others. Paul is not just making a show of it or compromising on his beliefs. In fact, Paul completed what is likely a Nazarite vow himself in Acts 18:18. Besides that, when in scripture do we see Paul back down or compromise his message? He stands up consistently for truth, even at great personal risk.
Clearly it was important to Paul, as it was to the elders in Jerusalem, that he should reinforce the importance of following the law of God. I would further observe and call out the obvious… this all happens after Yeshua died and rose again. The law is still important.
Paul at Jerusalem
15After these days we got ready and started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16Some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us, taking us to Mnason of Cyprus, a disciple of long standing with whom we were to lodge.
17After we arrived in Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18And the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law; 21and they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22“What, then, is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23“Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law. 25“But concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote, having decided that they should abstain from meat sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication.” 26Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purifying himself along with them, went into the temple giving notice of the completion of the days of purification, until the sacrifice was offered for each one of them.
Do not miss that the apostles and Paul believed and taught that the law of God was still important to be followed, even after the death and resurrection of Yeshua. Many today teach wrongly that it is obsolete, that somehow because Yeshua was judged perfect by following the law, now we all are supposed to disregard the law and not live as he did. This argument to toss away the law does not make much sense if you think about it in that light. We live out the right example for our children or others so that they would observe and follow, not so they don’t have to.
To learn more about the law, read Understanding the Law – What Does It Mean Today?
I invite you to pray with me:
Father, please open the eyes and ears of Your people so that we can understand the importance of following Your law and not cling to the traditions of men. Help us search out and live out Your ways! Raise up righteous teachers to lead Your people and bring about restoration among Your people who call on the name of Messiah. Amen.
Shalom
Devotion by John in service to Christ
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