arrival in Jerusalem

Good morning all,
After much anticipation Paul arrives in Jerusalem. His arrival begins like in the many cities he has recently visited; he and his companions are warmly welcomed by the local Christians. He makes a point in going to see James and the other leaders of the church right away. We don't get a good sense for it in Acts, but in Paul's letters we see that there was often tension within the church around the place of gentiles in the faith. It seems that even though the church council in chapter 15 settled the question of whether gentiles had to obey the Law of Moses it continued to be an area of some controversy, and Paul and James had some arguments over issues of inclusion.

Paul made a conscious effort to make it clear that his ministry was part of the church; immediately going to see James is part of that effort. When they meet, the elders rejoice at the fruits of Paul's ministry among the gentiles. They also warn him that the Jewish believers in Jerusalem have been hearing rumors that Paul is trying to throw out the Law of Moses and the traditions they grew up with. To counter that false impression they find a way for Paul to take part in a public Jewish ritual to show that he is an observant Jew who supports and follows the traditions. Good ministry requires smart strategic choices and teamwork as well as faithfulness.

God bless,
Sam

Acts 21:15-26
15After these days we got ready and started to go up to Jerusalem. 16Some of the disciples from Caesarea also came along and brought us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to stay. 17When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us warmly. 18The next day Paul went with us to visit James; and all the elders were present. 19After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20When they heard it, they praised God.

Then they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews, and they are all zealous for the law. 21They have been told about you that you teach all the Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, and that you tell them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs. 22What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.

23So do what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow. 24Join these men, go through the rite of purification with them, and pay for the shaving of their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself observe and guard the law. 25But as for the Gentiles who have become believers, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication.” 26Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having purified himself, he entered the temple with them, making public the completion of the days of purification when the sacrifice would be made for each of them.