Acts 21:20

When they heard this, they glorified God. Then they said to Paul, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law.

Study Bible

When they heard this
This phrase marks a pivotal moment of reception and response. The "they" refers to the elders and leaders of the Jerusalem church, including James. The context is Paul's report of his missionary journeys among the Gentiles. The Greek word for "heard" is "ἀκούσαντες" (akousantes), which implies not just the act of hearing but understanding and processing the information. This moment is significant as it reflects the early church's openness to the work of God beyond the Jewish community, a theme that resonates throughout Acts.

they glorified the Lord
The act of glorifying the Lord is a response of praise and worship. The Greek word "ἐδόξασαν" (edoxasan) is used here, which means to honor or magnify. This reflects a deep acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and work through Paul’s ministry. Historically, this response underscores the unity and shared mission of the early church, despite cultural and ethnic differences. It serves as an inspirational reminder of the importance of giving glory to God for His work in the world.

Then they said to him
This phrase transitions from praise to a conversation, indicating a shift in focus. The Greek "εἶπαν" (eipan) is used for "said," which is a common term for speaking or addressing someone. This moment is crucial as it sets the stage for the elders' concerns about the Jewish believers' perceptions of Paul. It highlights the importance of communication and dialogue within the church, especially when addressing potential conflicts or misunderstandings.

You see, brother
The use of "brother" (Greek "ἀδελφέ," adelphe) is significant, emphasizing the familial bond among believers. This term reflects the early church's understanding of community and unity in Christ. It is a reminder of the relational aspect of the church, where members are seen as part of a spiritual family. This familial language is inspirational, encouraging believers to view each other with love and respect, regardless of differing backgrounds or opinions.

how many thousands of Jews have believed
This phrase highlights the success of the Gospel among the Jewish population. The Greek word "μυριάδες" (myriades) is used for "thousands," which can also mean tens of thousands, indicating a large number. This reflects the widespread impact of the Gospel and the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel. Historically, it shows the early church's growth and the significant number of Jewish converts, which is a testament to the power of the Gospel to transform lives.

and all of them are zealous for the law
The term "zealous" (Greek "ζηλωταί," zelotai) indicates a fervent devotion. This phrase acknowledges the Jewish believers' commitment to the Mosaic Law, which was an integral part of their identity and faith. It highlights the tension between the new covenant in Christ and the traditional Jewish customs. This context is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by the early church in integrating Jewish and Gentile believers. It serves as an inspirational reminder of the need for grace and understanding in navigating cultural and doctrinal differences within the body of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul
The apostle who is reporting to the Jerusalem church about his ministry among the Gentiles.

2. James
The leader of the Jerusalem church, likely the half-brother of Jesus, who is present during this meeting.

3. Jerusalem Church Elders
The leaders of the early Christian community in Jerusalem who are listening to Paul's report.

4. Jewish Believers
Thousands of Jews who have come to faith in Jesus and are zealous for the Mosaic Law.

5. Jerusalem
The city where this meeting takes place, a central location for Jewish worship and early Christian activity.

Teaching Points

Zeal for the Law and Faith in Christ
The Jewish believers' zeal for the law reflects their deep commitment to their heritage. However, it is crucial to balance this zeal with the understanding that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not adherence to the law.

Unity in Diversity
The early church faced challenges in uniting Jewish and Gentile believers. Today, we can learn from their example by embracing diversity within the body of Christ while maintaining unity in core beliefs.

Glorifying God in All Circumstances
The response of glorifying God upon hearing about the faith of the Jewish believers reminds us to always give glory to God for the work He is doing in the lives of others, regardless of cultural or traditional differences.

The Role of Tradition
Traditions can be valuable in maintaining cultural identity, but they should not overshadow the transformative power of the gospel. Believers are encouraged to evaluate traditions in light of Scripture.

Witnessing to Different Cultures
Paul's ministry among the Gentiles and his report to the Jewish believers highlight the importance of being sensitive and adaptable when sharing the gospel across cultural boundaries.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the zeal of the Jewish believers in Acts 21:20 challenge or inspire your own faith journey?

2. In what ways can we glorify God when we hear about the faith and growth of believers from different cultural backgrounds?

3. How can the early church's handling of diversity inform our approach to unity within the modern church?

4. What role do traditions play in your faith, and how can you ensure they align with the teachings of Christ?

5. How can you effectively witness to people from different cultural or religious backgrounds while maintaining the truth of the gospel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 15
The Jerusalem Council, where the early church leaders discussed the relationship between Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law, provides context for the ongoing tension between Jewish customs and the new faith in Christ.

Romans 10:2
Paul speaks about the zeal of the Jews for God, but notes that it is not based on knowledge, highlighting the need for understanding the righteousness that comes from faith in Christ.

Galatians 3:24-25
Paul explains the purpose of the law as a tutor leading to Christ, emphasizing the transition from the law to faith.

Philippians 3:5-6
Paul describes his own background as a zealous Jew, providing personal insight into the mindset of the Jewish believers in Acts 21:20.