Acts 21 23

Acts 21:23 kjv

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

Acts 21:23 nkjv

Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow.

Acts 21:23 niv

so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow.

Acts 21:23 esv

Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;

Acts 21:23 nlt

"Here's what we want you to do. We have four men here who have completed their vow.

Acts 21 verses

Acts 21 23 Meaning

This verse describes a proposal presented to Paul by James and the elders of the Jerusalem church. The proposal involves Paul participating in a purification ritual with four men who had taken a Nazarite vow. This ritual was intended to demonstrate to Jewish believers that Paul adhered to the Law of Moses and was not abandoning its practices. The aim was to counter the rumors circulating among them that Paul taught against Jewish customs and the Law.

Acts 21 23 Context

This verse occurs in Acts chapter 21, during Paul's final journey to Jerusalem. He was warned by the Holy Spirit not to go to Jerusalem, yet he was determined to fulfill God's will, even if it meant suffering (Acts 20:22-24). In Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus tied his own hands and feet with Paul's belt, predicting that Paul would be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-11). Despite these warnings and the pleas of his companions, Paul resolved to go (Acts 21:13-14).

Upon arrival in Jerusalem, Paul reported to James and the elders. The preceding verses (Acts 21:17-22) indicate that they rejoiced at Paul's arrival but then informed him of the many Jewish believers who were zealous for the Law. These believers had heard reports that Paul taught Jews everywhere to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to Jewish customs. This news posed a significant challenge to the unity of the early church and Paul's ministry among Jews.

Acts 21 23 Word Analysis

• Do (ποιέω - poieō): To do, make, perform, carry out. This is a verb in the imperative mood, conveying a command or strong suggestion.
• therefore (οὖν - oun): Therefore, then, accordingly. A conjunction indicating a logical consequence or conclusion based on previous information.
• this (τοῦτο - touto): This thing, this. Refers to the specific action that follows.
• that (ἵνα - hina): That, in order that. Introduces a purpose clause, explaining the reason for the proposed action.
• we (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): We, us. Refers to the speaker (James and the elders) and implicitly to the leadership of the Jerusalem church.
• have (ἔχομεν - echomen): We have, possess. Indicates present possession.
• four (τέσσαρας - tessaras): Four. The number of men involved in the vow.
• men (ἄνδρας - andras): Men.
• which (οἵτινες - hoitines): Who, which (plural). Refers to the four men.
• have (ἔχουσιν - echousin): They have. Present tense of "to have."
• on (ἐπί - epi): On, upon, over. Preposition indicating the subject of the vow.
• them (αὐτοῖς - autois): To them, them. Dative pronoun referring to the four men.
• vow (εὐχὴν - euchēn): A vow, prayer, wish. In this context, specifically a vow made to God, likely a Nazarite vow given the description of the associated ritual.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Do therefore this that we say to thee: This is a direct imperative suggesting a specific course of action based on the preceding explanation of the concerns of the Jewish believers. It's a practical strategy for addressing a delicate situation.
• we have four men which have a vow on them: This phrase identifies a group of individuals already committed to a religious practice. The inclusion of "four men" suggests specific individuals known to the Jerusalem church leadership and potentially recognizable within the temple context, making their public participation with Paul feasible.
• vow on them: The concept of a vow implies a voluntary commitment to God, often involving abstinence or specific actions. The implication here, confirmed by the context of Acts 21:23-26, is a Nazarite vow, a recognized and stringent form of devotion outlined in Numbers chapter 6.

Acts 21 23 Bonus Section

The passage highlights the ongoing tension within the early church between Jewish and Gentile believers, and the question of how the Mosaic Law related to the new covenant in Christ. While the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) had decided that Gentiles were not required to keep the Law of Moses, the question of Jewish believers continuing their observances remained. Paul, although free in Christ and preaching freedom for Gentiles, consistently showed respect for Jewish traditions when ministering to Jews and for the sake of peace and unity. This proposal was a pastoral attempt to prevent division and to confirm to Jewish believers that Paul, and by extension the Gentile converts under his ministry, were not adversaries of their heritage, but part of the fulfillment of God's promises. The success or failure of this strategy is addressed in the subsequent verses, showing Paul's willingness to be guided by the counsel of the church elders.

Acts 21 23 Commentary

The elders of Jerusalem, led by James, presented a prudent plan to Paul. Recognizing the deep-seated traditions and the fervor of many Jewish believers for the Law, they proposed a public demonstration of Paul's respect for Jewish observance. By participating in the purification ritual with four men under a Nazarite vow, Paul could visibly align himself with core Jewish practices, thereby alleviating the misconceptions about him. This was not about compromising the Gospel, but about strategically ministering to Jewish communities without unnecessary offense, a principle Paul himself advocated (1 Cor 9:19-23). The men involved were likely already committed to the vow, and their public commitment would allow Paul to join them in completing the required ritual at the Temple.