Acts 21 26

Acts 21:26 kjv

Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

Acts 21:26 nkjv

Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.

Acts 21:26 niv

The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

Acts 21:26 esv

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 21:26 nlt

So Paul went to the Temple the next day with the other men. They had already started the purification ritual, so he publicly announced the date when their vows would end and sacrifices would be offered for each of them.

Acts 21 verses

Acts 21 26 Meaning

The verse describes the fulfillment of a Nazirite vow by Paul, an action he undertook as a gesture of good faith and unity with Jewish believers, demonstrating respect for the Law and temple practices. It highlights Paul's commitment to reconciling gentile and Jewish Christians, adhering to both grace and tradition appropriately.

Acts 21 26 Context

In Acts chapter 21, Paul is in Jerusalem, and he has just arrived after his third missionary journey. Certain Jewish believers, likely from the Pharisaic party, have heard that Paul teaches Jews to forsake Moses and not circumcise their children or walk according to their customs. To counter these rumors and demonstrate his respect for Jewish law and traditions, Paul is advised by the elders in Jerusalem to participate in a Nazirite purification ritual. This ritual involves Paul taking on vows of separation, similar to what was practiced by Nazarites in the Old Testament, and accompanying four men who had similar vows to the temple. The fulfillment of these vows includes offerings to be presented on behalf of each man. This chapter depicts a tension between the freedom of the gospel for Gentiles and the preservation of Jewish customs within the early church, highlighting the challenges of integrating diverse religious backgrounds.

Acts 21 26 Word Analysis

• “Then” (Epeidē): Indicates a consequence or a time following a previous event, linking this action directly to the advice given in the preceding verses.
• “Paul” (Paulos): The apostle, central figure in the narrative of early Christianity, known for his missionary work among the Gentiles and his teachings on grace.
• “took” (paralambanō): Received, accepted, or took along with him. In this context, it signifies his active participation and compliance with the proposal.
• “the” (ton): Definite article, specifying the particular men.
• “men” (andras): Refers to the four Jewish believers who were under vows.
• “and” (kai): Connects the two actions Paul took.
• “purified” (hagnizō): To cleanse, make pure, sanctify. This refers to ritualistic purification as prescribed by the Mosaic Law, often involving washing and offerings.
• “himself” (heauton): Emphasizes that the purification was a personal act Paul undertook.
• “went” (eisērchomai): Entered. In this context, it refers to entering the temple courts.
• “into” (eis): Into; indicates the destination.
• “the” (to): Definite article.
• “temple” (hieron): The sacred place of worship in Jerusalem. For Jews, it was the central point of religious life and sacrificial offerings.
• “announcing” (apangellō): To declare, report, or make known.
• “the” (tou): Definite article.
• “fulfillment” (ekplērōsis): Completion, accomplishment. Here, it refers to the conclusion of the purification days, after which the required sacrifices were to be offered.
• “of” (tōn): Possessive preposition.
• “the” (hēmerōn): Days.
• “purification” (hagnismou): The state of being purified, or the period of purification.
• “until” (achri): To the time when; marks the duration.
• “which” (hou): Relative pronoun, referring to the days.
• “which” (hautē): This; referring to the purification.
• “one” (heis): One of the men, or referring to the days themselves being a period of purification.
• “after” (meta): After, following.
• “the” (tou): Definite article.
• “days” (hēmerōn): Refers to the specific period of ritual purification.
• “were” (ēsan): Were.
• “completed” (synteleō): Brought to an end, accomplished, fulfilled. This signifies the end of the appointed period of separation.

Group by Words Analysis

• “Paul took the men and purified himself…”: This phrase emphasizes Paul's proactive role in participating in Jewish religious observance. He didn't just observe; he engaged actively in the purification rites.
• “and went into the temple announcing the fulfillment of the days of purification…”: This phrase highlights the purpose and declaration of Paul's actions. He was formally entering the temple at the completion of the purification period, signaling that the vow and its associated rituals were nearing their conclusion. This act was a public declaration within the sacred space.

Acts 21 26 Bonus Section

This event at the Jerusalem temple foreshadows the escalating opposition Paul would face, ultimately leading to his arrest and subsequent journeys. His attempt to build bridges, by respecting Jewish customs, ironically became the very occasion used by his accusers to incite a riot, underscoring the deep-seated cultural and religious divisions present even within the early Christian community. The wisdom of the Jerusalem elders in suggesting this course of action, while well-intentioned, highlights the ongoing dialogue and occasional pragmatic approaches to navigating the relationship between the new covenant in Christ and the continuities of the old covenant practices.

Acts 21 26 Commentary

Paul's participation in the Nazirite purification was a strategic act of contextualization and reconciliation. It was not an admission that Gentile believers needed to adhere to the Mosaic Law, but rather a demonstration to Jewish believers in Jerusalem that he did not disregard or disparrate the Law. By bearing the expense and participating in the rituals, Paul aimed to unite the church and to dismantle unfounded accusations against his ministry, fostering a more harmonious coexistence between Jewish and Gentile followers of Christ. His willingness to conform to certain Jewish customs, when it did not compromise the Gospel's essence, mirrored his broader principle of becoming "all things to all people" (1 Cor 9:22).