Topical Encyclopedia The event of Paul being received by the brethren gladly is a significant moment in the Acts of the Apostles, highlighting the unity and fellowship among early Christians despite the challenges and controversies that often surrounded Paul's ministry. This event is recorded in Acts 21:17, where it states, "When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly" .Context and Background The Apostle Paul, known for his missionary journeys and extensive contributions to the New Testament, was returning to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey. This journey had taken him through regions such as Macedonia, Greece, and Asia Minor, where he had established and strengthened churches. Paul's return to Jerusalem was marked by a sense of urgency and purpose, as he was bringing with him a collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, a gesture aimed at fostering unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Significance of the Reception The warm reception by the brethren in Jerusalem is noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the acceptance and recognition of Paul's apostolic authority and his mission to the Gentiles. Despite the controversies that often accompanied his ministry, particularly regarding the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith without the requirement of adhering to the Mosaic Law, the brethren's glad reception indicates a level of respect and appreciation for his work. Secondly, this reception reflects the spirit of Christian fellowship and hospitality that was a hallmark of the early church. The early Christians were known for their communal living and mutual support, as seen in Acts 2:42-47. The glad reception of Paul and his companions is an extension of this communal spirit, demonstrating the bonds of love and unity that transcended cultural and ethnic differences. Challenges and Tensions Despite the initial warm reception, Paul's presence in Jerusalem was not without its challenges. The subsequent verses in Acts 21 detail the tensions that arose due to misunderstandings and accusations from some Jewish believers who were zealous for the law. They were concerned that Paul was teaching Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, which led to a series of events culminating in Paul's arrest. This tension highlights the ongoing struggle within the early church to reconcile Jewish traditions with the new covenant in Christ. Paul's mission to the Gentiles and his teachings on freedom from the law were often points of contention, yet they were central to the message of salvation by grace through faith, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine. Theological Implications The glad reception of Paul by the brethren in Jerusalem serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the unity it brings among believers. It illustrates the early church's commitment to overcoming divisions and embracing the diverse body of Christ. This event also emphasizes the importance of supporting and encouraging those who labor in ministry, recognizing the sacrifices and challenges they face in spreading the Gospel. In summary, Paul's reception by the brethren in Jerusalem is a moment that encapsulates the early church's spirit of unity, hospitality, and mutual support, even amidst the complexities and challenges of integrating diverse cultural and religious backgrounds into the Christian faith. Nave's Topical Index Acts 21:17-25And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. Nave's Topical Index Library Paul's Journeys Acts 13:1-38:31 Ephesus Paul a Prisoner Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Acts XXI Paul's Longing Acts XVI Acts xx. 32 Examples of True Eloquence Drawn from the Epistles of Paul and the ... The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia. Resources Is the New Perspective on Paul biblical? | GotQuestions.orgDid Paul ever meet Jesus in person? | GotQuestions.org Who was Paul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Paul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Paul Escapes to Derbe, where he Preaches the Gospel, and Returns to Lystra Paul is Bitten by a Viper and Miraculously Unharmed Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Paul is Confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea Paul is Confined in the Fortress Paul is Delayed in Melita for Three Months Paul is Encouraged by a Vision from God, Promising Him That he Will Give Testimony in Rome Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard Paul is Persecuted by Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is Stoned Paul is Persecuted by the Jews Paul is Received by the Brethren Gladly Paul is Released by the Civil Authorities on the Grounds of his Being a Roman Citizen Paul is Returned to the Fortress Paul is Taken to Rome in the Custody of Julius, a Centurion, and a Detachment of Soldiers Paul is Welcomed at the Household of Lydia Paul: Appeals to be Heard by Caesar Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: Caught up to the Third Heaven Paul: Chooses Silas As his Companion Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer Paul: Contends With the Judaizers Against Their Circumcision "Theology" Paul: Conveys the Contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) With Greeks Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Educated at Jerusalem in the School of Gamaliel Paul: Enters the Temple Courtyard Paul: Escapes by Being Let Down from the Wall in a Basket; Goes to Jerusalem Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night Paul: from the Tribe of Benjamin, Paul: Goes Through Phrygia and Galatia Paul: Goes to Troas, where he Has a Vision of a Man Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia Paul: Has "A Thorn in the Flesh" Paul: Has Barnabas As his Companion Paul: Heals the Ruler's Father and Others Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Paul: His Independence of Character Paul: His Message Received Gladly by the Gentiles Paul: His Resolute Determination to Go to Jerusalem Despite Repeated Warnings Paul: His Trial Before Governor Felix Paul: His Trial Before Governor Festus Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Jewish Leaders Conspire Against his Life Paul: John (Mark), a Companion of, Departs for Jerusalem Paul: Kind Treatment by the Inhabitants of the Island Paul: Lives in his own Rented House for Two Years, Preaching and Teaching Paul: Makes his Second Tour of the Congregations Paul: Meets some Brethren Who Accompany Him to Rome from Appii Forum Paul: Persecuted by Jews, Drawn Before the Deputy, Charged With Wicked Lewdness Paul: Persecuted by the Jews Who Come from Thessalonica Paul: Persecuted, Beaten, and Cast Into Prison With Silas Paul: Persecutes the Christians; Present At, and Gives Consent To, the Stoning of Stephen Paul: Preaches in Damascus for the First Time Paul: Predicts Misfortune to the Ship; his Counsel not Heeded, and the Voyage Resumes Paul: Proceeds to Macedonia After Strengthening the Congregations in That Region Paul: Reasons in the Synagogue Every Sabbath Paul: Received by the Disciples in Jerusalem Paul: Refers the Question of Circumcision to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Paul: Returns to Antioch, Accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, With Letters to the Gentiles Paul: Returns With the Apostle John to Antioch (Of Syria) Paul: Re-Visits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he Lived Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Paul: Sends Timothy and Erastus Into Macedonia, But he Himself Remains in Asia for a Period of Time Paul: Sent to Damascus With Letters for the Arrest and Return to Jerusalem of Christians Paul: Sergius Paulus, Governor of the Country, is a Convert of Paul: Summons the Local Jewish Leadership Paul: Teaches at Antioch (In Syria) for One Year Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes With the Makers of Idols Paul: This Plan is Thwarted by his Nephew Paul: Transferred to a Ship of Alexandria Paul: Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium Paul: Visits Coos, Rhodes, and Patara; Boards a Ship Bound for Tyre Paul: Visits Ephesus, where he Leaves Aquila and Priscilla Paul: Visits Iconium, and Preaches to the Jews and Non-Jews Paul: Visits Lystra; Circumcises Timothy Paul: Visits Much of the Island of Cyprus Paul: Visits Perga in Pamphylia Paul: Visits Samothracia and Neapolis Paul: Waits at Tyre for Seven Days Select Readings: Paul and Silas in Prison Select Readings: Paul in Front of Agrippa Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix Select Readings: Paul on Mars' Hill Related Terms |
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