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Text -- Acts 21:26 (NET)

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Context
21:26 Then Paul took the men the next day, and after he had purified himself along with them, he went to the temple and gave notice of the completion of the days of purification, when the sacrifice would be offered for each of them.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Paul a man from Tarsus who persecuted the church but became a missionary and writer of 13 Epistles


Dictionary Themes and Topics: UNCLEANNESS | Temple | TEMPLE, A2 | Synagogue | SACRIFICE, IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, 1 | Purification | Prudence | Paul | PAUL, THE APOSTLE, 5 | Opinion, Public | Nazarite | Meekness | LYCIA | LAW IN THE NEW TESTAMENT | John | JAMES | Fraternity | APOSTOLIC AGE | ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, 13-OUTLINE | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , Combined Bible , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Act 21:26 - -- Took the men ( paralabōn tous andras ). The very phrase used in Act 21:24to Paul.

Took the men ( paralabōn tous andras ).

The very phrase used in Act 21:24to Paul.

Robertson: Act 21:26 - -- The next day ( tēi echomenēi ). One of the phrases in Act 20:15 for the coming day. Locative case of time.

The next day ( tēi echomenēi ).

One of the phrases in Act 20:15 for the coming day. Locative case of time.

Robertson: Act 21:26 - -- Purifying himself with them ( sun autois hagnistheis , first aorist passive participle of hagnizō ). The precise language again of the recommendati...

Purifying himself with them ( sun autois hagnistheis , first aorist passive participle of hagnizō ).

The precise language again of the recommendation in Act 21:24. Paul was conforming to the letter.

Robertson: Act 21:26 - -- Went into the temple ( eisēiei eis to hieron ). Imperfect active of eiseimi as in Act 21:18which see. Went on into the temple, descriptive imperf...

Went into the temple ( eisēiei eis to hieron ).

Imperfect active of eiseimi as in Act 21:18which see. Went on into the temple, descriptive imperfect. Paul joined the four men in their vow of separation.

Robertson: Act 21:26 - -- Declaring ( diaggellōn ). To the priests what day he would report the fulfilment of the vow. The priests would desire notice of the sacrifice. This...

Declaring ( diaggellōn ).

To the priests what day he would report the fulfilment of the vow. The priests would desire notice of the sacrifice. This verb only used by Luke in N.T. except Rom 11:17 (quotation from the lxx). It is not necessary to assume that the vows of each of the five expired on the same day (Rackham).

Robertson: Act 21:26 - -- Until the offering was offered for every one of them ( heōs hou prosēnechthē huper henos hekastou autōn hē prosphora ). This use of heōs ...

Until the offering was offered for every one of them ( heōs hou prosēnechthē huper henos hekastou autōn hē prosphora ).

This use of heōs hou (like heōs , alone) with the first aorist passive indicative prosēnechthē of prospherō , to offer, contemplates the final result (Robertson, Grammar , pp. 974f.) and is probably the statement of Luke added to Paul’ s announcement. He probably went into the temple one day for each of the brethren and one for himself. The question arises whether Paul acted wisely or unwisely in agreeing to the suggestion of James. What he did was in perfect harmony with his principle of accommodation in 1Co 9:20 when no principle was involved. It is charged that here on this occasion Paul was unduly influenced by considerations of expediency and was willing for the Jewish Christians to believe him more of a Jew than was true in order to placate the situation in Jerusalem. Furneaux calls it a compromise and a failure. I do not so see it. To say that is to obscure the whole complex situation. What Paul did was not for the purpose of conciliating his opponents, the Judaizers, who had diligently spread falsehoods about him in Jerusalem as in Corinth. It was solely to break the power of these "false apostles"over the thousands in Jerusalem who have been deluded by Paul’ s accusers. So far as the evidence goes that thing was accomplished. In the trouble that comes in Jerusalem and Caesarea the Judaizers cut no figure at all. The Jewish Christians do not appear in Paul’ s behalf, but there was no opportunity for them to do so. The explosion that came on the last day of Paul’ s appearance in the temple was wholly disconnected from his offerings for the four brethren and himself. It must be remembered that Paul had many kinds of enemies. The attack on him by these Jews from Asia had no connexion whatever with the slanders of the Judaizers about Paul’ s alleged teachings that Jewish Christians in the dispersion should depart from the Mosaic law. That slander was put to rest forever by his following the advice of James and justifies the wisdom of that advice and Paul’ s conduct about it.

Vincent: Act 21:26 - -- Purifying himself ( ἁγνισθεὶς ). See on 1Pe 1:22; and Jam 4:8.

Purifying himself ( ἁγνισθεὶς ).

See on 1Pe 1:22; and Jam 4:8.

Vincent: Act 21:26 - -- Declaring ( διαγγέλλων ) To the priests who directed the sacrifices and pronounced release from the vow.

Declaring ( διαγγέλλων )

To the priests who directed the sacrifices and pronounced release from the vow.

Vincent: Act 21:26 - -- Fulfilment - until, etc There is some dispute and confusion here as to the precise meaning. The general sense is that, having entered the temple...

Fulfilment - until, etc

There is some dispute and confusion here as to the precise meaning. The general sense is that, having entered the temple toward the close of the period required for the fulfilment of these men's vow, he gave notice that the vowed number of Nazarite days had expired, after which only the concluding offering was required

Wesley: Act 21:26 - -- Yielding his own judgment to their advice, which seemed to flow not out of spiritual but carnal wisdom; seeming to be what he really was not: making a...

Yielding his own judgment to their advice, which seemed to flow not out of spiritual but carnal wisdom; seeming to be what he really was not: making as if he believed the law still in force.

Wesley: Act 21:26 - -- Giving notice to the priests in waiting, that he designed to accomplish the days of purification, till all the sacrifice should be offered, as the Mos...

Giving notice to the priests in waiting, that he designed to accomplish the days of purification, till all the sacrifice should be offered, as the Mosaic law required, Num 6:13.

JFB: Act 21:26 - -- That is, announce to the priest.

That is, announce to the priest.

JFB: Act 21:26 - -- (See on Num 6:14-21).

(See on Num 6:14-21).

Clarke: Act 21:26 - -- To signify the accomplishment, etc. - Διαγγελλων, Declaring the accomplishment, etc. As this declaration was made to the priest, the sens...

To signify the accomplishment, etc. - Διαγγελλων, Declaring the accomplishment, etc. As this declaration was made to the priest, the sense of the passage is the following, if we suppose Paul to have made an offering for himself, as well as the four men: "The next day, Paul, taking the four men, began to purify, set himself apart, or consecrate himself with them; entering into the temple, he publicly declared to the priests that he would observe the separation of a Nazarite, and continue it for seven days, at the end of which he would bring an offering for himself and the other four men, according to what the law prescribed in that case."But it is likely that Paul made no offering for himself, but was merely at the expense of theirs. However we may consider this subject, it is exceedingly difficult to account for the conduct of James and the elders, and of Paul on this occasion. There seems to have been something in this transaction which we do not fully understand. See the note on Num 6:21

"Besides their typical and religious use, sacrifices were also intended for the support of the state and civil government; inasmuch as the ministers of state were chiefly maintained by them: so that the allotments to the priests out of the sacrifices may be considered as designed, like the civil-list money in other nations, for the immediate support of the crown and the officers of state. On these principles we are able to account for Paul’ s sacrificing, as we are informed he did, after the commencement of the Christian dispensation; an action which has been severely censured by some as the greatest error of his life: hereby he not only gave, say they, too much countenance to the Jews in their superstitious adherence to the law of Moses, after it was abrogated by Christ, but his offering these typical sacrifices, after the antitype of them was accomplished in the sacrifice of Christ, was a virtual denial of Christ, and of the virtue of his sacrifice, which superseded all others. Paul’ s long trouble, which began immediately after this affair, some have looked upon as a judgment of God upon him for this great offense. But, if this action were really so criminal as some suppose, one cannot enough wonder that so good and so wise a man as Paul was should be guilty of it; and that the Apostle James and the other Christian elders should all advise him to it, Act 21:18, Act 21:23, Act 21:24. It is likewise strange that we find no censure ever passed on this action by any of the sacred writers; not even by Paul himself, who appears so ready, on other occasions, to acknowledge and humble himself for his errors and failings: on the contrary he reflects with comfort on his having complied with the customs of the Jews in order to remove their prejudices against him and his ministry, and against the Gospel which he preached, and to win them over to embrace it: ‘ Unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; and this I do for the Gospel’ s sake.’ 1Co 9:20, 1Co 9:23

"To elucidate this point; we are to consider that there was a political as well as a typical use of sacrifices; and that, though the typical ceased upon the sacrifice of Christ, yet the political continued till God in his providence broke up the Jewish state and polity about forty years after our Saviour’ s death. Till that time it was not merely lawful, but matter of duty, for good subjects to pay the dues which were appointed by law for the support of the government and magistracy. Now, of this kind was the sacrifice which Paul offered; and in this view they were paid by Christians dwelling in Judea, as well as by those who still adhered to the Jewish religion. So that, upon the whole, this action, for which Paul has been so much censured, probably amounts to nothing more than paying the tribute due to the magistrate by law, which the apostle enjoins upon all other Christians in all other nations, Rom 13:6."- Jennings’ Jewish Antiquities, p. 17.

Calvin: Act 21:26 - -- 26. Whereas some accuse Paul of subtilty, − 483 as if he did play the hypocrite, I have before refuted this. Yet I do not deny but that he granted...

26. Whereas some accuse Paul of subtilty, − 483 as if he did play the hypocrite, I have before refuted this. Yet I do not deny but that he granted to do thus much at the request of the brethren, being thereunto in a manner enforced. Therefore, it hath more color, and is (as they say) more disputable, that he was too easily entreated, and too ready to obey; and yet I do not admit that which some men say, that it went not well with Paul, because, taking upon him a new and unwonted person, he did not so constantly, as he was wont, maintain the liberty purchased by Christ. I confess, indeed, that God doth oftentimes punish foolish purposes with unhappy success; but I see not why this should be applied to Paul, who through voluntary subjection sought to win the favor of the rude, and such as were not thoroughly instructed, that he might do them good; being about to do that not willingly, but because he had rather yield to the brethren than stick to his own judgment. Furthermore, when he was once admitted, he might fitly have passed over to moderate that zeal. His courtesy doth rather deserve great praise, in that he doth not only gently abase himself for the unskillful people’s sake, but doth also obey − 484 their foolishness who did unworthily, and against reason, suspect him. He might well have reproved − 485 them, because they had been so ready to believe reports contrary to his estimation [reputation]. In that he abstaineth, he showeth great patience; in that he winneth their favor so carefully, it is singular modesty. −

Moreover, he might have been more rough and round with − 486 James and his fellows in office, because they had not been more diligent to root out errors from among the people. For though it be certain that they taught faithfully, yet it may be that the sight of the temple, and the very seat of the law, did hinder them in defending the use of liberty. But Paul, whether he went from his right of his own accord, or whether he think that they see better what is expedient than he, doth follow − 487 their counsel. And whereas false Nicodemites, following this example of Paul, go about to color their treacherous dissimulation, whilst they pollute themselves with all filthiness of Popery, it needeth no long refutation. They boast that they do this to win the weak brethren, (or that they follow their vein thus far) as if Paul did yield to them in all things without choice. If, being Jews, they should take upon them according to the pre-script of the law, to fulfill among the Jews a vow infected with no idolatry, then might they prove themselves to be like Paul. Now, forasmuch as they inwrap themselves in gross and altogether wicked superstitions, and that because they will escape the cross, what likelihood is that which they imagine? − 488

TSK: Act 21:26 - -- Then : 1Co 9:20 entered : Act 24:18 to signify : Num 6:13-20

Then : 1Co 9:20

entered : Act 24:18

to signify : Num 6:13-20

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Act 21:26 - -- Then Paul took the men - Took them to himself; united with them in observing the ceremonies connected with their vow. To transactions like this...

Then Paul took the men - Took them to himself; united with them in observing the ceremonies connected with their vow. To transactions like this he refers in 1Co 9:20; "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the Law, as under the Law, that I might gain them that are under the Law."Thus, it has always been found necessary, in propagating the gospel among the pagan, not to offend them needlessly, but to conform to their innocent customs in regard to dress, language, modes of traveling, sitting, eating, etc. Paul did nothing more than this. He violated none of the dictates of honesty and truth.

Purifying himself with them - Observing the ceremonies connected with the rite of purification. See the notes on Act 21:24. This means evidently that he entered on the ceremonies of the separation according to the law of the Nazarite.

To signify - Greek: signifying or making known. That is, he announced to the priests in the temple his purpose of observing this vow with the four men, according to the law respecting the Nazarite. It was proper that such an announcement should be made beforehand, in order that the priests might know that all the ceremonies required had been observed.

The accomplishment ... - The fulfilling, the completion. That is, he announced to them his purpose to observe all the days and all the rites of purification required in the Law, in order that an offering might be properly made. It does not mean that the days had been accomplished, but that it was his intention to observe them, so that it would be proper to offer the usual sacrifice. Paul had not, indeed, engaged with them in the beginning of their vow of separation, but he might come in with hearty intention to share with them. It cannot be objected that he meant to impose on the priests, and to make them believe that he had observed the whole vow with them, for it appears from their own writings (Bereshith Rabba, 90, and Koheleth Rabba, 7) that in those instances where the Nazarites had not sufficient property to enable them to meet the whole expense of the offerings, other persons, who possessed more, might become sharers of it, and thus be made parties to the vow. See Jahn’ s Archaeology, §395. This circumstance will vindicate Paul from any intention to take an improper advantage, or to impose on the priests or the Jews. All that he announced was his intention to share with the four men in the offering which they were required to make, and thus to show his approval of the thing, and his accordance with the law which made such a vow proper.

Until that an offering ... - The sacrifices required of all those who had observed this vow. See the notes on Act 21:24. Compare Num 6:13. It is a complete vindication of Paul in this case that he did no more here than he had done in a voluntary manner Act 18:18, and as appears then in a secret manner, showing that he was still in the practice of observing this rite of the Mosaic institution. Nor can it be proved that Paul ever, in any way, or at any time, spoke against the vow of the Nazarite, or that a vow of a similar kind in spirit would be improper for a Christian in any circumstances.

Poole: Act 21:26 - -- Paul agrees to their advice, and follows it; and having set such a time for his vow as might end with the other four men’ s, he, with the four ...

Paul agrees to their advice, and follows it; and having set such a time for his vow as might end with the other four men’ s, he, with the four mentioned, signify to the priest (who was concerned to know it, because of the sacrifices that were to be offered for them), that the time of their separation was fulfilled, which is here called

the days of purification for the reason intimated, in Act 21:24 .

Until that an offering should be offered for every one of them: intending to abide in the temple until all those rites were performed which were required of them.

Gill: Act 21:26 - -- Then Paul took the men,.... The four men that had the vow on them; he joined himself to them, and put himself in the same condition, and under a like ...

Then Paul took the men,.... The four men that had the vow on them; he joined himself to them, and put himself in the same condition, and under a like vow: this he did, not as what he thought himself bound to do in obedience to the law, and much less as necessary to salvation; but to satisfy weak minds, and remove their prejudices, that he might gain them, and be useful to them; and in such a case he would very easily and readily condescend; but when such like things were insisted upon as points of duty, and especially when urged as necessary to salvation, no one more stiffly opposed them:

and the next day purifying himself with them; that is, not separating himself along with them, from what they were obliged by the vow of the Nazarite, as from drinking of wine and shaving, and from everything that was unclean by the law; for this was now done, but cleansing himself afterwards with them: he

entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of the purification: the sense is, that when the days of separation were fulfilled, which the four men had vowed, as everyone might vow what time he pleased, he went to the priests in the temple, to signify it to them, that the time of their purification was expiring:

until that an offering should be offered for everyone of them; as the law directs in Num 6:13 when he proposed to pay the charges of it, or at least part of it.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Act 21:26 Grk “for each one.”

Geneva Bible: Act 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, ( f ) to signify the accomplishment of the days of purif...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Act 21:1-40 - --1 Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.10 Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem, he will not be dissuaded fro...

Combined Bible: Act 21:26 - --notes on verse 18     

MHCC: Act 21:19-26 - --Paul ascribed all his success to God, and to God they gave the praise. God had honoured him more than any of the apostles, yet they did not envy him; ...

Matthew Henry: Act 21:15-26 - -- In these verses we have, I. Paul's journey to Jerusalem from Caesarea, and the company that went along with him. 1. They took up their carriages, ...

Barclay: Act 21:17-26 - --When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, he presented the church with a problem. The leaders accepted him and saw God's hand in his work; but rumours had be...

Constable: Act 9:32--Rom 1:1 - --III. THE WITNESS TO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH 9:32--28:31 Luke next recorded the church's expansion beyond...

Constable: Act 19:21--Rom 1:1 - --D. The extension of the church to Rome 19:21-28:31 "The panel is introduced by the programmatic statemen...

Constable: Act 21:17--23:33 - --2. Ministry in Jerusalem 21:17-23:32 The events that transpired in Jerusalem when Paul visited t...

Constable: Act 21:17-26 - --The advice of James and the elders 21:17-26 21:17-19 As he had done before, Paul related to a group of elders what God had done on his missionary jour...

College: Act 21:1-40 - --ACTS 21 13. The Stops at Cos, Rhodes, and Patara (21:1-2) 1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos...

McGarvey: Act 21:18-26 - --18-26. After the general statement that they were gladly received by the brethren, Luke proceeds to state more in detail what followed. (18) " And on ...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Acts (Book Introduction) THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES By Way of Introduction But for the Acts we should know nothing of the early apostolic period save what is told in the Epi...

JFB: Acts (Book Introduction) THIS book is to the Gospels what the fruit is to the tree that bears it. In the Gospels we see the corn of wheat falling into the ground and dying: in...

JFB: Acts (Outline) INTRODUCTION--LAST DAYS OF OUR LORD UPON EARTH--HIS ASCENSION. (Act 1:1-11) RETURN OF THE ELEVEN TO JERUSALEM--PROCEEDINGS IN THE UPPER ROOM TILL PEN...

TSK: Acts (Book Introduction) The Acts of the Apostles is a most valuable portion of Divine revelation; and, independently of its universal reception in the Christian church, as an...

TSK: Acts 21 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Act 21:1, Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy; Act 21:10, Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem...

Poole: Acts 21 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 21

MHCC: Acts (Book Introduction) This book unites the Gospels to the Epistles. It contains many particulars concerning the apostles Peter and Paul, and of the Christian church from th...

MHCC: Acts 21 (Chapter Introduction) (Act 21:1-7) Paul's voyage towards Jerusalem. (Act 21:8-18) Paul at Cesarea. The prophecy of Agabus, Paul at Jerusalem. (Act 21:19-26) He is persuad...

Matthew Henry: Acts (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Acts of the Apostles We have with an abundant satisfaction seen the foundation of our holy religion...

Matthew Henry: Acts 21 (Chapter Introduction) We have, with a great deal of pleasure, attended the apostle in his travels throughout the Gentile nations to preach the gospel, and have seen a gr...

Barclay: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES A Precious Book In one sense Acts is the most important book in the New Testament. It is the simple truth t...

Barclay: Acts 21 (Chapter Introduction) No Retreat (Act_21:1-16) Compromise In Jerusalem (Act_21:17-26) A Slanderous Charge (Act_21:27-36) Facing The Fury Of The Mob (Act_21:37-40)

Constable: Acts (Book Introduction) Introduction Title The title "Acts of the Apostles" is very ancient. The Anti-Marcioni...

Constable: Acts (Outline) Outline I. The witness in Jerusalem 1:1-6:7 A. The founding of the church 1:1-2:46 ...

Constable: Acts Acts Bibliography Albright, William Foxwell. The Archaeology of Palestine. 1949. Revised ed. Pelican Archaeolog...

Haydock: Acts (Book Introduction) THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. INTRODUCTION. St. Luke, who had published his gospel, wrote also a second volume, which, from the first ages, hath bee...

Gill: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ACTS This book, in some copies, is called, "The Acts of the holy Apostles". It contains an history of the ministry and miracles of ...

College: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION As early as the second century the title "The Acts of the Apostles" was given to this document. Before that time the work probably circu...

College: Acts (Outline) OUTLINE I. THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM - 1:1-8:1a A. INTRODUCTION OF THE BOOK - 1:1-3 B. THE COMMISSIONING OF THE APOSTLES - 1:4-8 C. THE ASCENSI...

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