Title: What Matters More? / Acts 21:17-26
Content Acts Study 48 August 26, 1998.
What is more important?
(Acts 21:17-26)
I. Content decomposition and organization
1. Foreword - Paul's Mission Report (宣敎報告)
① The believers in Jerusalem warmly welcomed us (17)
②The next day, Paul took us and went to see the elders of the Jerusalem church, including James (18).
③Paul, through his missionary journey, reported the works he had done to God (19)
2. Body - Report of the elders of the Jerusalem Church
① He insists that Jewish Christians should continue to uphold Jewish traditions and customs.
a. Brother, as you know, many Jews became followers (20).
B. However, they insist that even if they become Christians, they must keep the Jewish traditions and customs (20).
② On the contrary, by forbidding circumcision by Paul, they are threatened.
a. By the way, it is said that you taught the Jews living in the Gentiles against circumcision (21).
B. Jews and Christians are aware of this news, so what should we do? (22)
c. They will surely know that you are here (22)
③ The elders propose to Paul to have their hair shaved in the temple with those who have made a vow.
a. So, go to the temple with those who have made a vow to God and have their hair shaved (24)
b. Then, knowing that you are adhering to Jewish customs, they will not doubt you (24)
④ The elders say that even Gentile Christians do not have to keep Jewish customs.
a. We do not intend to require Gentile Christians to observe Jewish customs (25).
B. However, you will only need to keep these things (25)
ａ. Do not eat sacrifices offered to idols.
ｂ. Do not eat the meat of animals that have been strangled without blood. ｃ.Do not commit fornication
3. Concluding remarks - Paul's one-step concession
①Paul accepted their proposal, and the next day he went to the temple with the vows (26).
② Seven days after the completion of the purification ceremony, he made an oath in front of people to offer a sacrifice (26)
Ⅱ.Content research and application to life
Conflict between Paul and a Christian of Jewish origin
① Cause
A. Even if you are a Jew, once you become a Christian, you must not be circumcised according to the Jewish custom, Paul taught (21).
B. However, Jewish Christians insisted that even if they became Christians, they had to keep Jewish customs and laws (20).
②Development
a. Jewish Christians had heard and knew of the news that Paul was teaching Gentile Jews to abstain from circumcision (22).
B. By the way, that very person, Paul, appeared in Jerusalem.
③ Arbitration
a. The elders of the Jerusalem Church were worried about this problem, and they made a suggestion to Paul (24)
B. Paul told them to go to the temple and have their hair cut like those who made a vow to God.
c. So, it is to show Jewish Christians that Paul is a person who acknowledges and keeps Jewish customs.
④Result
a. Paul accepted the proposal of the elders (26)
B. He went to the temple after a ceremony with those who made a vow to God (26)
C. Seven days after the purification ceremony ended, I made an oath in front of people to offer a sacrifice (26).
2. Summary (Lessons)
① Even within one belief (religion), it reveals that conflicts and disputes can exist. They say they believe in one God, but there are many times when people have different views and views of faith.
② However, if you make an extreme claim that what you believe is the most correct, you should be careful that that claim can become an idol that replaces God.
③ Because the essence of God is love. If you hate someone because of your faith, you will end up being opposed to God.
④ Judging from this, Paul's attitude was wise. It was a step backward for Jin. It was never a compromise. Because circumcision was not an important religious issue that risked his life