Acts 21:23

Therefore do what we advise you. There are four men with us who have taken a vow.

Study Bible

Therefore do what we advise you
Therefore
This word serves as a conclusion or a result of the preceding discussion. In the context of Acts 21, the elders in Jerusalem are addressing Paul, and this word indicates that they are about to offer a solution or a course of action. The Greek word used here is "οὖν" (oun), which often connects logical conclusions or actions based on prior statements. It suggests a transition from understanding to action, emphasizing the importance of applying wisdom and counsel in practical ways.

do
The Greek word "ποιήσῃς" (poiēsēs) is an imperative, indicating a command or strong recommendation. It reflects the urgency and necessity of the action that Paul is being asked to undertake. In the Christian life, obedience to godly counsel is often emphasized, and this word underscores the importance of aligning one's actions with the guidance of spiritual leaders.

what we advise you
This phrase highlights the collective wisdom and authority of the Jerusalem elders. The Greek word for "advise" is "συμβουλεύομεν" (symbouleuomen), which implies giving counsel or making a recommendation based on careful consideration. The elders are not merely offering a suggestion; they are providing guidance that is meant to be heeded. This reflects the early church's practice of communal decision-making and the respect for leadership within the body of Christ. Historically, this advice was given to help Paul navigate the cultural and religious tensions of the time, demonstrating the church's role in providing practical solutions to complex issues.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul
- The apostle who is central to the events in Acts 21. He is in Jerusalem and is being advised by the elders of the church.

2. James
- The leader of the Jerusalem church, who, along with the elders, is advising Paul on how to address concerns among Jewish believers.

3. The Elders
- Church leaders in Jerusalem who are concerned about the rumors regarding Paul's teachings and are advising him on how to demonstrate his respect for the Jewish law.

4. The Four Men
- Jewish believers who have taken a Nazirite vow, which involves abstaining from wine, not cutting their hair, and other specific practices as a sign of dedication to God.

5. Jerusalem
- The city where these events take place, a central location for early Christianity and a hub of Jewish religious life.

Teaching Points

Respect for Cultural Practices
Paul’s willingness to participate in the Jewish vow demonstrates respect for cultural and religious practices, even when they are not required for salvation. This teaches us the importance of being sensitive to the cultural contexts of others in our ministry and witness.

Unity in the Church
The advice given to Paul by the elders highlights the importance of maintaining unity within the church. It reminds us to be mindful of how our actions and teachings might affect the faith of others.

Wisdom in Leadership
The elders’ counsel to Paul shows the value of wise and strategic leadership in addressing potential conflicts within the church. Leaders today can learn from this example to seek God’s wisdom and counsel from others when making decisions.

Living Out Our Faith
The actions of the four men taking a vow reflect a deep commitment to living out their faith. This challenges us to consider how we can demonstrate our dedication to God in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Paul’s decision to follow the advice of the elders in Acts 21:23 reflect his approach to ministry, and what can we learn from this about engaging with different cultural contexts today?

2. In what ways does the Nazirite vow, as described in Numbers 6, deepen our understanding of the actions of the four men in Acts 21:23?

3. How can the principles of unity and sensitivity to others’ beliefs, as demonstrated in Acts 21, be applied in resolving conflicts within the modern church?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to balance your personal convictions with the need to respect the beliefs of others. How does Paul’s example in Acts 21:23 guide you in similar situations?

5. Considering Paul’s actions in Acts 21:23 and his words in 1 Corinthians 9:20, how can we effectively share the gospel while respecting the cultural and religious backgrounds of those we are trying to reach?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 6:1-21
This passage outlines the Nazirite vow, which is relevant to understanding the vow taken by the four men mentioned in Acts 21:23.

Acts 15:1-29
This earlier council in Jerusalem dealt with the relationship between Jewish law and Gentile believers, providing context for the tensions addressed in Acts 21.

1 Corinthians 9:20
Paul discusses becoming "all things to all people," which connects to his willingness to participate in Jewish customs to win over Jewish believers.