The Book of Acts ~ Study Sixty-Six

"Humility in Freedom"


Acts 21:17-26 (NLT) When we arrived, the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem welcomed us warmly.
   The next day Paul went with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present. After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry.
   After hearing this, they praised God. And then they said, “You know, dear brother, how many thousands of Jews have also believed, and they all follow the law of Moses very seriously. But the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They’ve heard that you teach them not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs. What should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come.
   “Here’s what we want you to do. We have four men here who have completed their vow. Go with them to the Temple and join them in the purification ceremony, paying for them to have their heads ritually shaved. Then everyone will know that the rumors are all false and that you yourself observe the Jewish laws.
   “As for the Gentile believers, they should do what we already told them in a letter: They should abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.”
   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.

Paul reported what had been happening in his missionary visits throughout other nations and how many had come to know Jesus. The Apostles there in Jerusalem rejoiced and praised God with him for the success of the Good News reaching others. Quickly a damper was placed on the celebration. You see, many believing Jews were hearing rumors that Paul was teaching that the Jews living among the Gentiles should turn away from the Jewish customs. Paul, who wanted nothing but Jesus glorified and the Gospel preached agreed to a purification ritual to show that he still honored his Jewishness. He didn't have to, but he wanted to show that the rumors were false.

Is Paul being a hypocrite by going through this ritual practice? What was his motives for doing it? We see the reason in the passage below:

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NLT)  Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
   When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

It's a good lesson for us to learn. We too should be willing to communicate with others the way they are able to hear. We are all free from the Law in Christ Jesus. But, should we offend others who are weaker in their faith? All Paul wanted to do was to bring others to Jesus and by humbling himself and understanding where people were coming from he was able to reach many people. He honored Christ in this way.

"Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ." Paul was modeling Jesus Who came to earth from His throne in heaven. He took on the skin of man and limited Himself to an earthly body. He didn't have to, but He wanted to in order to bring mankind to Himself. He made a way for us to have a relationship with God. He shook off His royal robes and took on the poverty of man in order to bring people into His family.

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (NLT) You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

It's not about us or what we can do for others. Its about Christ and having a servants heart in order to bring others to Him. Jesus changes hearts not us. I've said it before and I'm saying it again ~ We are just beggars showing other beggars where to get bread. We are to be light in the darkness and sometimes the darkness doesn't want the light. However, whenever the light of Christ is shone someone's heart is changed. It is an act of faith each time we shine our light that we've received from Jesus Himself. If the Holy Spirit resides in your heart you can't help but shine.

Matthew 5:15-17 (NLT) "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
   Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."

Paul knew that he had to show them that He still honored the customs of his people even though he believed that Jesus had already fulfilled the requirements of the Law. Paul knew that they still had to let go of the bondage found under the Law. It would take time for them to let go and see that there is true freedom in Christ. We too must help others to see the freedom found in Jesus.

Neil T. Anderson, the author of several books including "Victory Over The Darkness", "Steps To Freedom In Christ" and many other books, helps people with past hurts and sin they have experienced in their lives by showing them there is freedom through Jesus. He says this, "The major strategy of Satan is to distort the character of God and the truth of who we are. He can't change God and he can't do anything to change our identity and position in Christ. If, however, he can get us to believe a lie, we will live as though our identity in Christ isn't true."


When we hold on to rituals and traditions and feel guilty when we don't follow them, Satan places guilt on us. He wants us to think that God won't love us if we don't do these things. Religion doesn't win our salvation. Belief in Christ and His victory over sin and death does.

What are you holding on to that you know is keeping you in bondage? Is Jesus enough for you?

Galatians 6:15 (NLT) It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.

Ritualism doesn't bring us closer to God. Those who know this should also understand that others may not be where they are. Our goal is to gently help others realize the freedom found in Jesus. He is enough. We are transformed into a new creation free from the bondages on this world. As we mature in our faith we learn this more and more. Let's be there for one another by serving and praying and acting as Christ wants us to.

"What you do doesn't determine who you are; who you are determines what you do." Neil T. Anderson

I think this quote says it perfectly. We are made new when we come to Jesus and this should affect the way we act. Being a Christian is to live in freedom but also to live humbly and help others to realize the freedom found in loving Jesus. True freedom is only found in Jesus.