Paul’s Return to Jerusalem: Unity in Practice — Acts 21:15-26 Daily Word

Paul demonstrates unity with Jerusalem’s Jewish believers by observing the law, clearing misunderstandings and showing the wisdom of prioritizing communal harmony over personal insistence in faith.

Paul’s Return to Jerusalem: Unity in Practice

[Scripture]

Acts 21:15-26 (ESV)

[15] After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. [16] And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. [17] When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. [18] On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. [19] After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. [20] And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, [21] and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. [22] What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. [23] Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; [24] take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. [25] But as for the Gentiles who have believed, 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 has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” [26] Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. (Acts 21:15-26, ESV)

[Daily Word]

When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed him warmly. The next day, Paul visited James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, and shared how God’s grace had been at work among the Gentiles. James and the elders responded by giving glory to God.

How to Confirm Our Unity as One Body

The way we can recognize our unity as one body is found in the sharing of testimonies about God’s work — when both the one who shares and the one who receives are of the same heart, together embracing the Lord’s heart and will. The same grace that the Lord bestows upon our church must be the driving force that binds us together as one.

The Wisdom of Resolving Misunderstandings

In fact, the leaders in Jerusalem sought to protect Paul from the Jewish people. Many Jews who were zealous for the law had misunderstood Paul, believing he had said things he never actually said. In order to clear up this misunderstanding, the Jerusalem leaders asked Paul to demonstrate his observance of the law. They encouraged Paul, who had come from Gentile regions, to undergo a purification rite according to the law, to pay the expenses for four men who had taken a Nazirite vow to have their heads shaved¹cf. Acts 18:18, and to have Timothy circumcised²cf. Acts 16:2-3 — all as a way of showing that he respected and kept the law.

There are times in our life of faith when we are misunderstood. But when such situations arise, the wisest response is not to feel resentful or indignant, but rather to fully acknowledge that the other person has reason to misunderstand. From there, we should make gradual adjustments without breaking the relationship.

Paul, Who Willingly Humbled Himself for the Sake of Unity

Paul did not demand justification for the request. Even though he had done nothing wrong, he was willing to accept every suggestion in order to be united with the Jewish believers (vv. 25–26). This is consistent with the following words: “[20] To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. (1 Cor 9:20, ESV)”

What We Must Strive for as One Body

Therefore, what we must do as one body within our church is to strive all the more for the sake of winning others. We must be more humble, more considerate, more gentle, more patient, more loving, and more accepting. The Word exhorts us in this way: “[2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— (Eph 4:2-4, ESV)”

God has established us as one. Therefore, we must serve one another in love. Let us pray together, keeping in mind that when we do our very best to please God, our church is built up in health and strength.

Originally published in Korean at bible2u.com