How does Acts 21:21 connect with Paul's teachings in Galatians about the law? Acts 21:21—A Rumor in Jerusalem “They have been told that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe our customs.” (Acts 21:21) • The believing Jews in Jerusalem hear reports that Paul is urging diaspora Jews to forsake Moses altogether. • The specific accusation: Paul forbids circumcision and the traditional Jewish way of life. • This rumor threatens unity between Jewish and Gentile believers and risks undermining Paul’s ministry among Jews. Galatians—Paul’s Clear Message About the Law • Justification is by faith alone, not by works of the law (Galatians 2:16). • The law served as a guardian “to lead us to Christ” but is no longer the believer’s master once faith has come (Galatians 3:24-25). • Receiving circumcision as a requirement for right standing with God makes “Christ… of no benefit” (Galatians 5:1-2) and places a person “under obligation to keep the whole law” (Galatians 5:3-4). • “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.” (Galatians 6:15) How the Two Passages Connect • Same controversy, different audiences: – In Galatians, Gentile believers are being pressured to adopt the law. – In Acts 21, Jewish believers fear Paul is pressuring Jews to abandon it. • Paul’s teaching in Galatians explains why the rumor arose: he consistently preached that the law cannot justify and that circumcision has no saving value. • Misinterpretation: Some concluded, “If the law does not save, Paul must be anti-law.” Acts 21:21 records that distortion. • Paul’s actual stance: Freedom from the law as a means of righteousness, yet freedom to practice cultural customs when they do not compromise the gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:20; Acts 16:3). Why Paul Still Respected Jewish Customs • For the sake of witness—“To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews” (1 Corinthians 9:20). • He circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3) and took a Nazarite-style vow (Acts 18:18), showing voluntary observance, not legal obligation. • By joining the purification rites in Jerusalem (Acts 21:23-26), Paul demonstrated that gospel liberty does not equal contempt for godly heritage. Key Lessons for Believers Today • Salvation rests solely on faith in Christ; adding any requirement—circumcision then, rituals now—nullifies grace (Galatians 2:21). • Christian liberty allows cultural expressions of faith, provided they neither claim saving merit nor hinder gospel unity (Romans 14:1-4; Galatians 5:13). • Rumors thrive when teaching is heard second-hand; clear, scriptural communication guards the church from division, just as Paul’s letter to the Galatians clarifies his stance echoed in Acts 21. |
    |