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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE:
MORE TOWNS REACHED AGAINST OPPOSITION

[“Submissive to Elders”]
Key word: Chains

Acts 21:1-6 – Visiting Towns by Boat [Late Spring 56 AD]

AC21:1 Now after we left them 930 and had set sail, we made a straight run to Cos, 931 and then the following day we arrived at Rhodes, 932 and from there to Patara. 933

930

After we left them: Late spring 56 AD. Before or during this period Paul has written several letters, including 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, and Romans. It is also likely that Luke has completed his own Gospel and we can imagine that Paul may have influenced this. Surely during these travels Luke interviewed some who were eyewitnesses to the Nazarene’s ministry. See notes on Luke 1:1-4.

931	Cos: An island about 47 miles with good winds.

932	Rhodes: One of the largest islands in the Aegean Sea off Turkey where on of the seven wonders of the ancient world once existed, the Colossus of Rhodes.

933	Patara: On the Lycian coast.

AC21:2 Finding a ship sailing to Phoenicia 934 we boarded and put to sea.

934	Phoenicia: Modern Palestine, ancient Canaan.

AC21:3 Now when we sighted Cyprus we passed it to port and sailed on to Syria, 935 landing at Tyre 936 where the ship unloaded her cargo.

935	Syria: Hundreds of nautical miles of sailing.

936	Tyre: Now called es-Sur, an ancient city that figured prominently in the history of Israel and the prophets. [Isaiah 23:1, 7; Ezekiel 26-28]

AC21:4 Then after a search we found some disciples and remained there for seven days. This was so because Paul, under the pressure of the Pneuma, 937 said that he should not yet proceed to Jerusalem.

937	Under the pressure of the Pneuma: Or, BAR: through the Holy Spirit; TCN: under the influence of; PME: led by; AMP: prompted by; WMS: impressions made by; WEY: taught by; GDS: instructed by. The Greek is DIA [through; by the agency of] TOU [the] PNEUMATOS [spirit]

AC21:5 So when our time ashore came to an end we left to continue our journey. All the disciples with their wives and children accompanied us 938 until we left the city, and there we all knelt on our knees at the beach and prayed together. 939

938	All the disciples with their wives and children accompanied us: Here in Tyre there was a small association of disciples though no congregation is here mentioned. What a joy for these friends to accompany the great missionary to his ship. This is a unique mention of wives and children.

939	We all knelt on our knees at the beach and prayed together: We see the small band of disciples along the shore with the sounds and smells of the sea adding tranquility to their prayers.

AC21:6 After we had said good-bye we boarded the ship and they all returned home.

Acts 21:7-14 – Philip the Missionary and Agabus

AC21:7 Now sailing from Tyre we completed our voyage at Ptolemais. 940 There we greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day.

940	Ptolemais: A port near Mount Carmel.

AC21:8 The next day we parted their company and arrived in Caesarea. There we entered the house of Philip 941 the missionary, who was one of the Seven, and lodged with him.

941	Philip: See notes on Acts 6:5.

AC21:9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 942

942

Four virgin daughters who prophesied: Or, TCN: had the gift of prophecy; WEY: were prophetesses; BEC: spoke God’s Word. Not only was Philip an evangelist but his daughters also preached. It is interesting his wife is not mentioned. This is a strong witnessing core to spread the Gospel in their territory.

AC21:10 While we remained there for several days, a certain prophet from Judea named Agabus 943 arrived.

943	Agabus: See notes at Acts 11:27, 28. It should be noted that despite the presence of four women who “prophesied” it is through the prophet Agabus that the Pneuma works.

AC21:11 When he arrived among us, he took hold of Paul’s belt and then bound his hands and feet, saying: “Thus the holy Pneuma says: ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind this man with his own belt and shall then turn him over to the non-Jews.’” AC21:12 Now when all of us there heard this we began begging Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. AC21:13 But, Paul responded: “Why all these tears? Are you trying to weaken my resolve? For a certainty I am ready not only to be imprisoned but also to die in Jerusalem in behalf of the name of the Master Jesus!” AC21:14 So when all of us could not persuade Paul we gave up and said: “Let YHWH’s will take place!” 944

944	Let YHWH’s will take place: This is a Hebraism and the Greek allows for the possibility that YHWH occurred here.

Acts 21:15-19 – Reporting to James and the Elders

AC21:15 After these days we all packed our bags and began our journey up to Jerusalem. AC21:16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, escorting us to the house of the Cypriot Mnason, one of the early disciples, 945 and there we lodged.

945

One of the early disciples: Or, KJV: an old disciple; KNX: one of the first disciples; RIE: one of the original disciples; TCN: a disciple of long standing; LAM: a brother who was among the first converts; NEB: a Christian from the early days. The Church is now two decades old and is beginning to have a history. It is possible this disciple was an eyewitness of the Christ and could have been interviewed by Luke for his own Gospel.

AC21:17 Now when we finally arrived in Jerusalem all the brothers welcomed us warmly. 946

946	All the brothers welcomed us warmly: Note later that James claims that these brothers have heard rumors about Paul that evidently prove to be upsetting.

AC21:18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to visit James with all the elders present. 947

947

Visit James with all the elders present: Or, to call on. The apostles are no longer mentioned. It is the disciple James who seems to be the presiding officer of the Church and along with the elders in Jerusalem form something of an official body. James was a most serious Jew before Christ appeared to him. The Church was originally only Jewish for the first seven years. Likely by far the majority in Jerusalem were Jewish-Christians and it is to be expected such disciples would still have strong links to Judaism. Even Peter was intimidated by this Jewish influence. [Galatians 2]

AC21:19 After Paul had given them his warmest greetings, he described in detail what The God had done among the non-Jews by means of his ministry.

Acts 21:20-26 – James’ Plan to Curb Jewish Charges

AC21:20 Now when they all heard Paul’s account they glorified The God. Then they said to Paul: 948 “Brother, you note how many thousands of Jews have become believers, 949 and they are all zealous for the Law [of Moses]. 950

948	Then they said to Paul: No time is wasted by James in getting to the point. Though it says “they” it is James who is doing the talking. We do not have to automatically suppose that what James says is either inspired or correct.

949	How many thousands of Jews have become believers: From the beginning thousands of Jews in Jerusalem have become Christians. Also, though Paul did his missionary tours in largely non-Jewish territories, he influenced many Jews to become the spearhead of the Gospel in the non-Jewish world.

950

They are all zealous for the Law [of Moses]: Or, TCN: naturally earnest in upholding the Jewish law; ABU: zealots for the law; KNX: zealous supporters; WMS: zealous champions; MOF: ardent upholders; PME: everyone one of them is a staunch upholder of the law. We understand the historical context: first, the bulk of disciples in this area were Jews; second, the leadership had a strong bias to Jewish law, customs, and background; and, third, it is unlikely much of the Christian Bible canon had taken shape. Certainly Hebrews had not yet been written. Probably only the two epistles to the Thessalonians and the epistle to the province of Galatia had any circulation at all. What James describes turns out to be an error that Paul’s later letters will change in the Church in general. In the meantime this problem of the strong Jewish bias in Judea becomes divisive in the Church. The issue had been raised earlier as discussed in Acts 15. Note Paul’s later words at Romans 10:2.

AC21:21 But, they have all been told that you teach all Jews 951 among the non-Jews an apostasy from Moses, 952 and that they ought not to circumcise their sons, 953 nor observe the Jewish customs. 954

951	They have all been told that you teach all Jews: Or, informed, rumored, given certain information. It would be interesting to know who actually did this. It is very likely some of the Jewish leadership spread this rumor full of half-truths about Paul.

952

An apostasy from Moses: Or, KJV: forsake Moses; MOF: to break away from Moses; BAS: to give up the law of Moses; RIE: to renounce the Law of Moses. The use of the word “apostasy” suggests Paul is an apostate. There is little in the record so far in Acts that would suggest any truth to this. However, Paul would after this incident write Romans and Hebrews. The epistle to the Galatians would likely receive a wide circulation among Jews. It is clear from these later inspired epistles that Paul’s language would enrage these Jewish Christians. For Paul will yet write that Jews and non-Jews are “dead to the Law” and “not under Law.” [Romans 7:1-4; Galatians 2:19; Colossians 2:14] He will write that the Law Covenant is made “obsolete” by the New Covenant. [Hebrews 8:13] Had James and the Jewish elders had these statements before them they would have been even more than rumors about Paul’s inspired position regarding the Law of Moses. Paul knows that a prophet greater than Moses has arrived in the form of Jesus, and though God once spoke to the Jewish forefathers by means of such prophets as Moses, He now speaks by means of a Son. [Hebrews 1:1] On the word “apostasy” it is rare in the Christian Bible, but Job is accused of it more than any other person in the Bible.

953

Ought not to circumcise their sons: Paul has already written to the Jews and non-Jews in Galatia: “If you get circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.” [Galatians 5:2] Also, that “circumcision is of no value” to the Christian. [Galatians 5:6] And again, “circumcision is nothing.” [Galatians 6:15] Paul has already written 1 Corinthians which also stated: “Circumcision is nothing.” [1 Corinthians 7:19] It is not likely Paul said Jews should not circumcise their sons but rather the above – “circumcision is nothing.” If a Jewish Christian wished to circumcise their baby boy on the eighth day it was up to them – it did not matter one way or another.

954

Observe the Jewish customs: Or, MOF: not to follow the old customs; BAS: keep the old rules; RIE: follow the other tradition customs. Paul has already written to the Christian Jews in Galatia: “You are scrupulous in keeping days and months and seasons and years! You make me fear that the labour which I have sent on you may have been wasted.” [Galatians 4:10, 11 TCN] Compare also Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16. Nowhere does Paul impose the Sabbath or kosher foods on either Jew or no-Jew.

AC21:22 Now what shall we do about this? 955 For surely the whole crowd [of Jewish disciples] will assemble 956 when they have heard you are here.

955

Now what shall we do about this: It seems almost a veiled threat, or a charge that needs to be rectified. James will order a certain course of action. In the end the Jews themselves will not be satisfied and raise a mob against Paul. All of this leads to Paul finally going to Rome, so the real background here are these details that lead to Paul’s arrest and subsequent court appearances as a testimony before kings and finally Caesar. Paul will show his submissiveness to James and his effort not to offend any Jew or Christian.

956	For surely the whole crowd [of Jewish disciples] will assemble: Or, BER: in any event the congregation will meet. Another warning or threat.

AC21:23 Therefore, we want you to do as we direct. 957 We have here four men who are under a vow. 958

957

We want you to do as we direct: Or, TCN: do what we are going to suggest. Whether this is only a suggestion or a direct order is unclear, probably the latter. Paul will obey this order or suggestion, as he does not sin in what he is about to do. By considering the details it is clear much as involved in the observance of the laws involved.

958

We have here four men who are under a vow: That is four Jewish men who have either made a particular vow or were what the Law called Nazirite, like Samson. Such could not cut their hair, drink wine, or touch a dead relative, even a mother, until they had fulfilled their vow. For details see Numbers 6. At the end of the fulfillment of this vow there was a period of one week of purification. Three animals must then be sacrificed: two rams and a lamb, as well as other offerings. Then he must shave his head. The sacrifice itself must be handled in a precise way according to the Law requiring a Hebrew priest and an altar of sacrifice. After the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD it would be impossible to fulfill or observe this law.

AC21:24 Take these along with you, then, and cleanse yourself and them, 959 paying all their expenses, 960 and afterward they may shave their heads. Then all will realize that those things they have heard concerning you are of no concern. 961 But rather you yourself walk orderly and observe the Law [of Moses]. 962

959	Take these along with you, then, and cleanse yourself and them: James is directing Paul to observe the requirements of Numbers 6 to placate certain Jewish Christians.

960	Paying all their expenses: This would have required the purchase of 12 farm animals, a considerable expense.

961

Those things they have heard concerning you are of no concern: Or, TCN: no truth in the things they have been told about you; LAM: what has been said against you is false; BAS: there is no basis for the reports. Judging from Galatians 2:4, 12 it seems clear who has started this “rumor” which is based in some fact. Later Paul will write in almost all of his letters against this Judaizing influence within the Church. After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD the Jews themselves will desist from the observance of the majority of the Law of Moses having no priesthood or altar on which to make sacrifices. One view here is that Paul knows the Law is not sin so he in no way sins by going through with this directive. In the process he does what he has written: “to Jews I became a Jew that I might win Jews.” [1 Corinthians 9:20] Paul is patient with the misunderstandings of the Jewish Christians and the relationship of the Christian Jew or non-Jew to the Law will be cleared up within a decade. Paul has already written that in the Church there is neither Jew nor Greek. [Galatians 3:28, 29; compare Romans 2:28, 29; 9:6] James is in error by stating that animal sacrifices may “cleanse” someone. Only the blood of Christ does this. [Hebrews 9:14, 22, 23; 10:2]

962	You yourself walk orderly and observe the Law [of Moses]: Paul will write later as mentioned above that as a Jew he is “dead to the Law.” [Romans 7:4] Had he said these things on this occasion it would have caused a rift or schism beyond imagining.

AC21:25 Regarding the non-Jewish believers we have already written our decision 963 that they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, 964 from blood, from what is strangled, 965 and from sexual immortality.” 966

963	Regarding the non-Jewish believers we have already written our decision: That is the letter of dogma in Acts 15.

964	Things sacrificed to idols: Paul has only recently written about this very matter in 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. He is to write in 1 Corinthians 10:25 that a Christian may eat anything sold in a pagan meat market.

965	From blood, from what is strangled: This requirement predated the Law, as it was a command given to Noah. [Genes 9:1ff] Compare notes on the original letter in Acts 15.

966	Sexual immortality: See notes on Acts 15:20, 29. Such also predated the Law.

AC21:26 So, Paul took the men along with him and the next day in order to cleanse himself with them, entered into the Temple area to give notice of the completion of days of purification. There he remained until the sacrificial offerings for each of them 967 had been offered.

967

The sacrificial offerings for each of them: If this includes Paul then a total of 15 farm animals would have been sacrificed. The observance of this Jewish law would become impossible after 70 AD. Paul writes later in Hebrews that such temple sacrifices in the Law Covenant were “obsolete and passing away.” [Hebrews 8:13]

Acts 21:27-32 – Jewish Opposition

AC21:27 Now after the seven days [of purification] were almost finished, 968 when Jews from Asia [Minor] 969 saw Paul in the temple area, they began to stir up all the crowd, 970 and seized him.

968	Now after the seven days [of purification] were almost finished: As required in the Law. [Numbers 6]

969	Jews from Asia [Minor]: This would be from the area where Paul has already written the epistles to the congregations in the province of Galatia. These may be aware of this.

970	They began to stir up all the crowd: Or, RIE: stirred the crowd to a frenzy; NOR: they excited the whole crowd into an uproar. Despite Paul’s obedience to James and his sacrifices at the Temple, a mob riot starts which leads to Paul’s final imprisonment in Rome.

AC21:28 These Jews screamed: “Men, Israelites, help us! This is the man who spreads his doctrine everywhere against the [Jewish] people, 971 the Law [of Moses] and this [Holy] Place! 972 What is more, he has actually brought Greeks into the Temple Courtyard [of Israel] 973 and so has defiled this Holy Place!”

971

Spreads his doctrine everywhere against the [Jewish] people: Or, WEY: preaching to everybody against the Jewish people; RIE: talks treason against Israel. Certainly the rumors permitted within the Church itself did not help in this matter. Also, James’ decision does not work and leads to further difficulties.

972

The Law [of Moses] and this [Holy] Place: Even the opposing Jews who are not Christians have reached the same conclusion regarding Paul. The whole matter has exploded into a violent mob. One can see God’s direction in the matter, for as thing develop His will takes place in getting Paul before Caesar. We must remember that the Nazarene Master has predicted the destruction of the Jewish Temple by encircling Roman troops. [Matthew 24:1, 2, 15; Luke 21:6, 20-24]

973	He has actually brought Greeks into the Temple Courtyard [of Israel]: The Temple compound was divided into something of a hierarchy with several courts: non-Jew, women, male Jews, and priests. This charge is untrue as Luke explains.

AC21:29 (For they had previously observed the Ephesian Trophimus in Paul’s company and thought that Paul had entered the temple courtyard with him.) AC21:30 Now the whole city was thrown into confusion and the people all rushed together into a mob. They laid hold of Paul and dragged him outside the temple area, shutting the temple compound gates behind him. AC21:31 While they were all trying to kill Paul, the matter was reported to the military tribune 974 of the [Roman] troops that all of Jerusalem was rioting.

974	Military tribune: Or, chief captain, officer, commander. The Greek designation is CHILIARCH, a commander of 1,000 troops.

AC21:32 Now immediately he took soldiers and centurions and came against the mob. When the rioters saw the military tribune and the soldiers they stopped beating Paul.

Acts 21:33-36 – Paul Arrested by the Romans

AC21:33 The military tribune approached Paul and arrested him, and then gave the command he be bound with two chains. 975 Then he demanded [of the mob] who Paul was and what he had done.

975	Bound with two chains: The Roman must consider Paul a great threat, or he has heard of mysterious escapes of such persons.

AC21:34 Now some screamed one thing and others something else, so when the military tribune could not determine with certainty because of the uproar, he gave the command for Paul to be taken to the soldiers’ quarters. 976

976	Soldiers’ quarters: Or, barracks, headquarters, fort, army building.

AC21:35 Now Paul climbed the steps, though he was actually carried by the soldiers, because of the violence of the crowd. AC21:36 Because the tremendous crowd followed and kept screaming: “Away with him!” 977

977	Away with him: Or, kill him, put him to death.

Acts 21:37-40 – Paul Begins His Defense to the Jews

AC21:37 Now as Paul was being led into the soldiers’ quarters he asked the military tribune: “May I speak with you?” The military tribune said: “Can you speak Greek? 978

978	Can you speak Greek: Likely Paul had spoken to the officer in Greek, the international language.

AC21:38 Are you not that Egyptian 979 who previously caused a riot, and who led four-thousand Sicarii 980 men into the desert?”

979	Egyptian: Josephus mentions this Jewish Zionist zealot. (The Jewish War, II, 254-263 [xiii, 3-5])

980	Sicarii: Or, murderers, bandits, cut-throats, dagger-men, assassins, terrorists. The commander surely must think Paul a most dangerous man.

AC21:39 But Paul responded: “I am for a certainty a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, 981 a citizen of no insignificant city. And I beg you to permit me to speak to the people.”

981	A Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia: Paul means a former Jew by religion, or a Jew by race. For he writes that in the Church there is no Jew. [Galatians 3:29] He writes later he has left what he was as a Jew behind and considers it all a lot of garbage. [Philippians 3:5, 7, 8]

AC21:40 So, after the military tribune granted him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. Now a great hush came over them and he began to speak to them in Hebrew, 982 saying:

982	Speak to them in Hebrew: When he begins speaking to Jews and they hear their own language they become silent. It is likely the Roman commander could not follow this speech.

Review Questions on Chapter Twenty-one