Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Psalms 57 -59; Acts 21:18 -40
Walking a fine line – Acts 21:18-26
18 On the next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James. All of the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he gave them a detailed report of what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 Those who heard this praised God. Then they said to him, “Brother, you see how many thousands of Jews have become believers, and all of them keep the Law passionately. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to reject Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to live according to our customs. 22 What about this? Without a doubt, they will hear that you have arrived. 23 You must therefore do what we tell you. Four men among us have made a solemn promise. 24 Take them with you, go through the purification ritual with them, and pay the cost of having their heads shaved. Everyone will know there is nothing to those reports about you but that you too live a life in keeping with the Law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we wrote a letter about what we decided, that they avoid food offered to idols, blood, the meat from strangled animals, and sexual immorality.” 26 The following day Paul took the men with him and went through the purification ritual with them. He entered the temple and publicly announced the completion of the days of purification, when the offering would be presented for each one of them.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Paul has walked a fine line to remain faithful to the tradition he grew up and upheld, as he understood God’s grace reaching out to all people. When the leaders of the Jewish community to lead the four, who made a solemn vow to “go through the purification ritual with them and pay the cost of having their heads shaved.” What does this mean?
It is a Nazarite vow to consecrate their lives to God in a solemn manner. These people are to uphold the law for a specified period. They commit themselves to go through a specific purification of their body and soul. During a particular period, these people abstain from any alcohol or fermented drinks, shaving hairs, and stay away from any corpse. It is their commitment to God to be set apart.
By sponsoring these people and renewing his Nazarite vow, Paul was showing his commitment to the tradition. At the same time, he continued to hold his belief in God’s grace.
Living in this fine is difficult. It takes a risk, as we see in the following passage. However, Paul still did his best to follow God’s will by walking on this fine line.
Prayer
Lord, may your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. In Christ name we pray, Amen.
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