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

Acts 21:23 records the counsel given by James and the elders of the Jerusalem church to the Apostle Paul. Following a report that many thousands of Jewish believers were zealous for the Law and had heard false rumors that Paul taught Jews living among Gentiles to forsake Moses—specifically not to circumcise their children or observe the customs—this verse proposes a course of action. They advised Paul to demonstrate his continued respect for Jewish traditions by participating in a ritual with four men who had taken a Nazirite vow. This was intended as a public affirmation of Paul's ongoing adherence to the Law, aiming to dispel misunderstandings and foster unity within the diverse body of Christ.

Acts 21 23 Context

Acts chapter 21 chronicles Paul's final journey to Jerusalem, despite repeated prophetic warnings of suffering and imprisonment (Acts 21:4, 21:10-14). Upon arrival, he is warmly received by James and the elders of the Jerusalem church. However, the spiritual leaders quickly highlight a significant tension: the presence of "many thousands" (μυριάδες) of Jewish believers who remain zealous for the Mosaic Law (Acts 21:20) and are greatly disturbed by persistent, false rumors regarding Paul's teaching. These rumors asserted that Paul actively urged Jews in the Dispersion to "forsake Moses," telling them "not to circumcise their children" and "not to walk according to our customs" (Acts 21:21). To address this critical misunderstanding and prevent further division or outright hostility from Jewish Christians, the elders propose a plan. Acts 21:23 presents the first part of their two-pronged strategy, suggesting Paul publicly participate in a Jewish purification ritual alongside four men who have just completed a Nazirite vow. This act, requiring financial sponsorship and ritual observance, was meant to visibly affirm Paul's reverence for Jewish custom and law in the face of the accusations.

Acts 21 23 Word analysis

• Do (Ποίησον - Poieēson): This is an imperative verb, a direct command or strong suggestion. It means "to do," "to make," or "to perform." It indicates the elders are giving specific instructions for an action they believe is necessary.
• therefore (οὖν - oun): This is a transitional conjunction, functioning to connect the present instruction logically to the preceding context, specifically the problem outlined in verse 21 (the rumors about Paul). It signifies, "in light of what we've just discussed."
• what we say (ὃ λέγομέν - ho legomen): "What we are saying." This highlights that the following proposal is their collective counsel and represents the will of the Jerusalem church leadership, giving it weight and authority in the conversation with Paul.
• to you (σοί - soi): The dative personal pronoun "to you," specifically addressing Paul. It emphasizes that this instruction is personally directed at him, requiring his individual compliance.
• We have (ἔχομεν - echomen): A present tense, first-person plural verb, indicating the Jerusalem church or its leaders are currently involved with these men. "We have" them among us, presenting an immediate opportunity.
• four men (ἄνδρας τέσσαρας - andras tessaras): Refers to the specific individuals who are in the process of fulfilling a vow. The number four is not particularly symbolic but indicates a definite, manageable group.
• who have taken a vow (ἔχοντας εὐχήν - echontas euchēn): Literally "having a vow." The term euchē (εὐχή) specifically refers to a religious pledge or solemn promise made to God, commonly understood here as a Nazirite vow (Num 6). These men were concluding a period of consecration that required purification and sacrifices at the Temple. Paul's participation would publicly associate him with this sacred Jewish practice.

Words-group analysis:

• "Do therefore what we say to you": This phrase establishes the leadership's clear direction and expectation for Paul's immediate actions. It is a pragmatic, immediate response designed to counter the widespread rumors among Jewish believers and potentially mitigate conflict.
• "We have four men who have taken a vow": This reveals the specific, opportune circumstance available to Paul. The presence of these four individuals concluding a Nazirite vow provides a perfect public forum for Paul to visibly demonstrate his respect for traditional Jewish religious practice, aligning with the elders' strategy to affirm his fidelity to the Law in the eyes of the zealous Jewish Christians.

Acts 21 23 Bonus section

The act proposed to Paul—defraying the expenses of others completing a Nazirite vow—was considered a highly meritorious act of charity and piety within Judaism. Wealthier individuals would sometimes assist those who were unable to afford the necessary sacrifices, allowing them to fulfill their commitments to God. This tradition is noted in sources like Josephus, illustrating that such an act would send a very clear and positive signal about Paul's regard for the Law and the Temple service, counteracting the prevailing negative perception. His agreement to do so (implied by the subsequent verses) indicates his willingness to submit to the counsel of the Jerusalem leadership and prioritize unity, even if the gesture was temporary or tactical. This situation highlights the often-strained relationship between freedom in Christ and the practical need to maintain peace and avoid scandal within a diverse community, especially concerning Jewish identity and customs among the first-generation Jewish believers.

Acts 21 23 Commentary

Acts 21:23 forms the critical nexus of the Jerusalem elders' counsel to Paul, presenting a strategic move to avert crisis and bridge divisions within the nascent Christian community. The proposal was an attempt to mitigate the profound mistrust harbored by many zealous Jewish believers who saw Paul as an apostate. By publicly engaging in the purification rites associated with the conclusion of a Nazirite vow (paying expenses and participating in the rituals), Paul would visibly affirm his respect for the Mosaic Law and the Temple. This act was not an admission that the Law saved, nor was it compulsory for believers; rather, it was a voluntary, adiaphoric action by Paul, rooted in his principle of "becoming all things to all people to win some" (1 Cor 9:22) and to avoid giving unnecessary offense (1 Cor 10:32). His willingness demonstrated a pastoral heart for unity and a commitment to maintaining fellowship with Jewish Christians, even at personal inconvenience or potential misunderstanding among some Gentile believers. It ultimately underscored the early church's complex navigation between its Jewish roots and its Gentile expansion, where grace, custom, and cultural sensitivity intersected.For example, one could think of a missionary today respectfully participating in a non-Christian local cultural rite (like bowing at a grave, or eating certain foods) to show solidarity and bridge-building, as long as it does not compromise core Christian beliefs.