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John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
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MacArthur - As when Peter reported the salvation of Cornelius's household (11:18), Paul's report produced rejoicing. (The salvation of sinners has the same effect in heaven, as Luke 15:7, 10, 32 indicate.) By glorifying God, the elders acknowledged that salvation is His work, not man's. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Acts) And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed - That many thousands of Jews had believed was certainly good news to Paul. While we can only give estimates, commentators say that at this time there were as many as 20-50,000 believing Jews in Jerusalem (e.g., see Acts 2:41+ and Acts 4:4+) You see (observe) (2334)(theoreo from theaomai = to look at closely or attentively or contemplatively - even with a sense of wonder; cp theoros = a spectator) usually refers to physical sight but can also refer to perception and understanding. The elders are pointing out to Paul what he obviously had observed or perceived and that was that was the fact that the Jews who had believed were zealous for the Law of Moses. Who have believed (4100)(pisteuo) means these Jews had considered the teachings about Jesus, been convicted by the His Spirit and thus been persuaded that He was the Messiah and was worthy of their trust. Believed is in the perfect tense which indicates that they professed belief at a point in time and that this profession had endured (i.e., they were true believers in Jesus). And they are all zealous for the Law - Note that the Law = the Law of Moses. So after the "good news" that thousands of Jews had believed, now they begin to warn Paul about the Jews who were zealous for the Law. Notice the little adjective "all" indicating that zeal for the Law was pervasive among the believing Jews. So while they were apparently genuine believers, they were still clinging to many of their practices they had learned since childhood. What would you do if you had been raised all your life in a strictly orthodox belief system? Is it likely you would immediately forsake everything you had been taught? Of course not. So that this was the case should not be unexpected nor looked upon with arrogant contempt. For example, Luke records in Acts 3 that even "Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer." (Acts 3:1+). In other words, after coming to faith in Messiah, these life-long Jews did not abruptly cease living like Jews. And remember that the Temple was still standing and would not be destroyed until 70 A.D. about 14 years later. MacArthur adds "God Himself was tolerant (OF THE BELIEVING JEWS CONTINUING TO PRACTICE JEWISH FEASTS, ETC) during this period of transition, knowing how difficult it was for the Jewish Christians to break with their past. He also knew that in a few years this would no longer be a dominant issue in the church. After the Jewish revolt against Rome (a.d. 66-70), which culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem, the influence of the Jerusalem church waned. Christianity gradually became a predominantly Gentile faith, and other churches (such as Antioch and Alexandria) ascended to the forefront....This large group of zealous Jewish believers provided fertile soil for false teachers—Paul's old nemeses the Judaizers (Who were the Judaizers?). These bitter enemies of the gospel of grace had dogged Paul's footsteps throughout his missionary journeys. In fact, he wrote Galatians largely to counter their dangerous false teachings. They denied that salvation is by grace through faith alone, insisting that keeping the Mosaic law was required for salvation (cf. Acts 15:1). The Jerusalem Council explicitly rejected their heretical teachings. (Ibid) Warren
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MacArthur - Luke records no details regarding Philip's daughters' prophetic ministry. It is therefore impossible to know how often they prophesied or even if they did so more than once. However the New Testament does not permit women to assume the role of preachers or teachers in the church (1 Cor. 14:34-36; 1 Tim. 2:11-12). It is likely, therefore, that they prophesied by receiving divine revelation, rather than preaching sermons. It is also possible that they spoke instructively to individuals rather than to congregations. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Acts) Jack Arnold on the prophetesses - Since Scripture does not contradict itself, we can assume these women did their prophesying outside the local church, but they were active in the ministry. “Let the women keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but let them subject themselves, just as the Law also says” (1 Cor. 14:34). This verse shows that women did occupy a prominent place in the ministry of the early church. It is interesting to note that from the last time Philip is mentioned in Acts 8, there is 20 years of silence. What was he doing those many years? We don't know for sure, but we can be quite definite that he was still evangelizing and he had been raising four daughters in a Christ-centered home who grew up to love Christ. The will of God for Philip was not only to win men to Christ but to raise children under the sound of the gospel and win them to Christ. Raising children for Christ is one of the most important ministries in the world and to dodge this responsibility is a clear denial of the revealed will of God. (Acts 21:1-14 The Will of God)
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MacArthur explains in detail why he does not feel Paul was being disobedient to the Spirit - That Paul was not disobedient on this occasion, however, is evident from several considerations. First, the phrase through the Spirit is inconclusive; it merely means that someone spoke as from a spiritual gift of prophecy. As Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 14:29, however, not every manifestation of the gift of prophecy is legitimate. Whether it was legitimate in this instance must be determined by other factors. Second, Paul lived a life sensitive to the Spirit's leading. When forbidden by the Spirit to preach in certain regions, Paul did not disobey (Acts 16:6-7+). When led by the Spirit to minister in Macedonia, Paul immediately obeyed (Acts 16:9-10+). That long-term pattern of obedience makes it unlikely that he was disobedient in this matter. Third, the Holy Spirit had never before prohibited Paul from going to Jerusalem. According to Acts 20:22-23+, He warned Paul repeatedly of what would happen to him when he got there but did not tell him not to go. Fourth, Paul described his mission to Jerusalem as "the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:24+). How could the Holy Spirit forbid Paul from doing what the Lord Jesus Christ had commanded him to? Further, Acts 19:21+ records that "Paul purposed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem," while in Acts 20:22+ the apostle describes himself as "bound in spirit... on my way to Jerusalem." He was compelled in his innermost being by the Holy Spirit to undertake this mission. Finally, the Scriptures nowhere suggest that Paul sinned by going to Jerusalem. After he got there he declared, "I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day" (Acts 23:1+; cf. Acts 24:16+). It is difficult to see how he could have said that if he had just flagrantly sinned against God. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Acts) Larkin adds "Since the same Spirit has compelled Paul to go to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21; Acts 20:22), we would be confronted with a contradiction if the prediction were actually a prohibition, but such need not be the case (see note). Paul, then, is not disobedient to the Spirit by disregarding the prohibition. As with all the Spirit's predictive warnings, it is intended simply to stiffen his determination as he once again realistically counts the cost (Acts 20:22-24). Sometimes the counsel of friends, filtered through the grid of their fears and concerns for our safety, can be misguidance. Like Paul, we must determine to "do the right thing" even when outward circumstances and projected outcome do not appear to be stamped with the blessing of God." (Ibid) J
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MacArthur comments on how ill founded were the charges against Paul - "If Paul really opposed circumcision, why did he circumcise Timothy (Acts 16:1-3+)? And if he taught others not to observe the Jewish customs, why did he take a Nazirite vow (Acts 18:18+)? Further, the Judaizers' lies about Paul were contradictory. In Galatia, they falsely accused him of advocating circumcision (Gal. 5:11); here in Jerusalem they falsely accused him of abrogating it. Like all inveterate liars, they said whatever was expedient at the moment. It is hardly surprising that the children of the father of lies resort to lies (John 8:44). Lies are one of the main ways Satan attacks the work of God. Believers should be slow to accept accusations against other Christians (particularly leaders, 1 Ti 5:19), especially when such charges originate with opponents of the Christian faith." (Ibid) Customs (1485)(ethos from etho = to be used, to be accustomed) refers to a usual or customary manner of behavior, habit, pattern of behavior which is more or less fixed by tradition or the usual practice. It may be established by law or otherwise generally sanctioned by the society. What is interesting and possibly represents a "bitter irony" (or reaping of what one sows) is the fact that the same charge was made against Stephen (and some think Paul was one of the Jews making those accusations against Stephen) Luke recording "we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs (ethos) which Moses handed down to us.” (Acts 6:14+, and compare Acts 6:11+) Ethos -12x in NT - Lk. 1:9; Lk. 2:42; Lk. 22:39; Jn. 19:40; Acts 6:14; Acts 15:1; Acts 16:21; Acts 21:21; Acts 25:16; Acts 26:3; Acts 28:17; Heb. 10:25 MacArthur asks "Why were they still clinging to the customs and rituals of the Old Covenant? First, because those customs and rituals had been established by God. Coming to faith in Jesus Christ enhanced these Jewish believer’s love for God and desire to obey Him and thus may have motivated a greater zeal for the old ceremonies. Second, the apostles and other leaders in the Jerusalem church did not oppose the continuation of these practices. Nowhere in the New Testament are Jewish believers condemned for observing them. In fact, Paul commands tolerance for such ‘weaker brothers’ until they grow to understand their freedom and can use it with clear consciences. The Jerusalem Council, while forbidding the imposition of Old Covenant rituals on Gentiles, did not prohibit Jewish believers from continuing to observe them. God Himself was tolerant during this period of transition, knowing how difficult it was for the Jewish Christians to break with their past. (Ibid) Matthew Henry on the tendency of the early believers to stick close to their Jewish roots (I think he is a bit harsh) “This was a great weakness and mistake to be so fond of the shadows when the substance had come, to keep their necks under a yoke of bondage when Christ had come to make them free.” B. H. Carroll said, “The substance was in Christ, and when the substance came, it was foolishness to go back and take up the weak and beggarly elements of the world.” I'm not sure that R Kent Hughes is correct when he comments on these believing Jews still going to the Temple, etc -- “They were saying in effect, ‘We are saved by grace, but we are kept saved by the Law.” Remember even stalwarts like Peter and John continued to go to the Temple (Acts 3:1). And Paul had Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3). There is a modern movement in America (circa 2018-19) that is not an innocent holding on to traditions like these first century Jewish believers were doing. It is known as the Hebrew Roots movement. And while it is beyond the scope to the current comments on Acts, the reader should at least be aware of its existences and its negative influence of Christianity. Here is a short introduction on this dangerous movement... What does the Hebrew Roots Movement believe? Essentially, their goal is to restore the Jewishness of Christianity. Those in the Hebrew Roots Movement argue that Christianity has strayed way too far from its Jewish roots. There is definitely some truth to this argument. For instance, western Christianity has no problem observing holidays the Bible does not mention, but virtually ignores the Jewish holidays the Bible does mention. But, the Hebrew Roots Movement is not just about the Jewish holidays. The ultimate goal of many in the Hebrew Roots Movement is to put Christians under the bondage of the Old Covenant law, with strict adherence to all of the commands, other than the sacrificial system. (see full article The Haters: The Hebrew Roots Movement) Acts 21:22 "What, then, is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. KJV Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. the multitude must needs come together Acts 15:12,22; 19:32 - This phrase is not in the NAS, only the Textus Receptus Acts 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S PRESENCE: A POTENTIAL "POWDER KEG!" A powder keg "is a barrel of gunpowder.....A powder keg is also a metaphorical term for a region that political, socioeconomic, historical or other circumstances have made prone to outbursts. The analogy is drawn from a perception that certain territories may seem peaceful and dormant until another event triggers a large outburst of violence. The term is used to simplify and help the understanding of what is often a complex set of circumstances that lead to conflicts, such as the powder keg of Europe," and in this case the religious "powder keg" about to explode in Jerusalem! What, then, is to be done? - Although the elders of the Jerusalem church don't believe the charges against Paul, they continue to express their concern and feel the need to do something to avert a crisis. They will certainly hear that you have come - The believing Jews who were zealots regarding the Law would by all mean hear of Paul's presence. Paul's visit to Jerusalem could hardly be kept a secret. They saw this situation of Paul's presence in Jerusalem as a potential "powder keg." Acts 21:23 "Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; KJV Acts 21:23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; We have four men who are under a vow Acts 18:18; Numbers 6:2-7 Acts 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A SUGGESTED COMPROMISE TO EASE THE TENSION Therefore - term of conclusion. We have a potential problem. Here is our conclusion. Do (aorist imperative - Do not delay!) this that we tell you - And so the elders propose a solution that theoretically might defuse a potentially volatile situation. Warren
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MacArthur explains the need for purification commenting that "Paul, having returned to Israel from Gentile lands, was considered ceremonially unclean. As their sponsor, Paul would participate in the ceremony marking the culmination of the four men's vows. But before he could do that, he would have to undergo ritual purification himself. His willingness to do that would." (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Acts) Jack Arnold on pay their expenses - When the days of the vow were completed, he was to present an offering to God which consisted of two lambs, a ram, a basket of unleavened cakes and a libation of wine. The vow ended when the person shaved his head, burned his hair in the fire and offered the sacrifice. It took a good sum of money to buy two lambs and a ram, and many poor Jews did not have the money to buy these animals to offer in order to get out of the vow. However, it was permissible for a rich Jew to give money to buy these sacrificial animals for the poor Jews under a Nazarite vow. (Sermon) Purify (aorist imperative)(48)(hagnizo from hagnos = freedom from defilements or impurities; see hagios = holy, saint) in the literal sense refers to ceremonial washings and purifications undertaken to "purify" oneself from ritual defilement. In the context of this ceremonial purification the idea was withdrawal from the profane (common) and dedication to God, thereby making one ceremonially ready. This sense is seen in the OT uses in the Septuagint (LXX), where hagnizo was used of the the Nazirites who took upon themselves a temporary or a life-long vow to abstain from wine and all kinds of intoxicating drink, from every defilement and from shaving the head (Hagnizo is used in the Septuagint of Nu 6:3 translating "abstain from..."). Hagnizo basically denotes a removal of that which disqualifies one for acceptable worship, resulting in a condition of purity and chastity. See uses of hagnizo in a Christian (rather than Jewish) context - James 4:8; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:3. NET Note on purify yourself - That is, undergo ritual cleansing. Paul's cleansing would be necessary because of his travels in "unclean" Gentile territory. This act would represent a conciliatory gesture. Paul would have supported a "law-free" mission to the Gentiles as an option, but this gesture would represent an attempt to be sensitive to the Jews (1 Cor 9:15–22). Nelson Study Bible has an interesting note on pay...expenses - Paul paid the expenses of the four men who had taken a vow, because the men were impoverished by the famine in Judea and did not have enough money to complete their vow by offering a sacrifice in the temple. But there might have been another reason as well. The Jewish historian Josephus tells us that when Herod Agrippa I began his reign over Judea in A.D. 41, he paid for a considerable number of Nazirite vows to show his respect for the Mosaic Law. For the sake of showing his Jewish brethren that he had not forsaken the laws of Moses, Paul did what they asked. Reputation was an issue for the apostle, as it is for all believers (see 1 Tim. 3:7). Pay...expenses (aorist imperative)(1159)(dapanao from dapane = expense, cost; BDAG says it is from dapto = devour, of wild beasts) means to spend money, to incur expenses by spending on these other four men. 5x in NT - Mk. 5:26; Lk. 15:14; Acts 21:24; 2 Co. 12:15; Jas. 4:3. . Related Resources: What does the Bible say about defilement? Defilement - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia And all will know (ginosko by the experience of seeing 5 bald Jews they will come to know) that there is (absolutely) nothing to the things which they have been told about you - The logic is clear - anyone taking a serious Nazarite vow could hardly be accused of being against the Law of Moses or the Jewish customs. Note the repetition of the verb katecheo which earlier had spoken of the trouble makers making the ears of the zealous believers to ring as they repeated their false accusations against Paul. But that you yourself also walk orderly - Walk orderly is stoicheo (from stoichos = row, line, rank) literally means to walk in a straight line or by rule and in this context in the present tense would demonstrate to the zealots that Paul continually conducted himself in harmony or agreement with the Law and Jewish customs. The verb stoicheo means to live in conformity with some presumed standard or set of customs.
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MacArthur has a suggestion on why Paul received permission to speak - Hoping to calm the explosive situation and discover what had triggered it, Lysias consented. (Ibid) When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs - Claudius Lysias gave permission and undoubtedly still wanted to know what this was all about! Picture Paul, beaten, bruised and in chains and still desiring to speak to the very ones who had just beaten him! One is reminded of his zeal for his fellow Jews who still not yet believers in Messiah writing in Romans 9 I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, (Ro 9:1-3+) Robertson paints the scene for us - Dramatic scene. Paul had faced many audiences and crowds, but never one quite like this. Most men would have feared to speak, but not so Paul. He will speak about himself only as it gives him a chance to put Christ before this angry Jewish mob who look on Paul as a renegade Jew, a turncoat, a deserter, who went back on Gamaliel and all the traditions of his people, who not only turned from Judaism to Christianity, but who went after Gentiles and treated Gentiles as if they were on a par with Jews. Paul knows only too well what this mob thinks of him Motioned to the people with his hand - He shook down to the multitude with the hand. We've seen this hand motion several times in Acts - Acts 12:17+; Acts 13:16+; Acts 19:33+. J Roberts - Paul's object was to gain silence. The man who has to address a noisy crowd does not begin by howling out "Silence!" that would be an affront, but he lifts up his hand to its extreme height, and begins to beckon with it, i.e., to move it backward and forward; and then the people say to each other "Pasathe, pasathe (Be silent, be silent"). Motioned (2678)(Kataseio from kata = down + seio = to move, shake) means to signal (with the hand), shaking violently to and fro, moving backward and forward, waving the hand, beckoning as a signal for silence and attention. And when there was a great hush - Now this is an amazing statement! Rabble rousers silenced in a moment! Hush (4602)(sige) means the absence of noise. Gilbrant adds "In the classical period the term was used both as a noun and as an adverb. As a noun it generally meant “silence.” As an adverb it could mean “silently” or “quietly, secretly.” In the Septuagint the term occurs only twice, both times in the apocryphal books (Wisdom 18:14; 3 Maccabees 3:23). In both references sigē means “silence.” The only other NT use is in Rev 8:1+ "When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour." Recall that this seal led into the next set of trumpet judgments. He spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying - Note other translations have "Aramaic" which is an "interpretation" for the literal Greek reads "Hebrew dialect." (NET, NIV, NLt). It is generally agreed that the language spoken in Palestine in the time of Christ was not Hebrew but "Aramaic", a sister Semitic "dialect." The Jews had learned to speak Aramaic during their years under Persian rule. And so the mob quieted the mob for a period (cf. Acts 22:2). Spoke (addressed)(4377)(prosphoneo from pros = to + phoneo = to call) means to utter sounds toward someone and then to speak out, call out or address.