The advise of the elders (v 23-25)

“…We have four men who have a vow upon themselves; take them along and purify yourself together with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads…” (1) There were four believers who had taken a Nazirite vow (Num. 6:1-21). The vow included regulations such as not shaving the head, abstaining from wine, and avoiding ritual defilement during the period of the vow. (a) The specifics of the vows taken by these four men is unknown. (b) Paul himself had taken a vow before (Acts 18:18). He shaved his head at Cenchrea as part of fulfilling his vow. (2) By assisting these four believers at the conclusion of their vow, it would serve as evidence that Paul was observing the Law. This meant that Paul would participate with them in the ritual purification and cover the expenses for their head-shaving. “But regarding the Gentiles who have believed, we sent a letter, having decided that they should abstain from meat sacrificed to idols and from blood and what is strangled, and from sexual immorality.” (1) This statement affirms the decisions made at the Jerusalem Council. They confirmed two key matters. (a) Jewish believers have the freedom to observe the Law. (b) Gentile believers have the freedom not to observe the Law. However, Gentile believers should show a minimum level of consideration for fellowship with Jewish believers. (2) It is essential to understand the mindset of first-century Jewish believers: (a) They were not trying to make the faith of Gentiles conform to Jewish practices. (b) Rather, they were ensuring that the faith of Jewish believers did not become assimilated into Gentile practices.

Doing as advised (v 26)

The next day, Paul entered the temple with the four men and began the seven-day purification process. (1) Since Paul had been away from Jerusalem (and the land of Israel) for five years, he needed to undergo a week-long purification process for his ritual impurity. (2) Additionally, he informed the priests of the completion date for the vows and began preparations for offering the sacrifices. (3) The offerings for each person were as follows: one male lamb (as burnt offering), one female lamb (as sin offering), one ram (as peace offering), one basket of unleavened bread (as grain offering), one jar of wine (as a drink offering). (d) While this was a significant sacrifice, it was regarded as a “mitzvah,” (a good deed) on Paul’s part. People strive to do their best, yet God’s guidance often moves in unexpected directions. History unfolds as a complex interplay of events. The parts influence the whole and the whole influences the parts, creating intricate developments. However, from God’s perspective, history progresses in perfect harmony and accordance with His plan.