Oct 3rd | Nonessentials
Acts 21:17ff Paul returns to Jerusalem with a handful of new gentile elders and a monetary gift for the Jerusalem church. The money is not a bribe as some would surmise – nothing in all of Paul’s writing ever suggests that he has anything but fond affection and deep support of the church which initially accepted him (the enemy of the church), and discipled him. The Jerusalem church may have numbered 10,000 by now, the Gentile converts may be rapidly approaching that number as well – who knows – but both were prospering. James (the leader of the Jerusalem church) and 50 -70 (best estimates) elders greeted Paul and the brothers he brought along. It’s an emotional reunion for Paul. Will they accept him, the new converts, the offering and all that God had done in southern Asia? And regardless if they do, Paul new his days were likely numbered. His part in Jesus new Kingdom on Earth were fading. It was a time of rejoicing! Not only was Paul received as a brother (and the offering likely received in the spirit is was given), but the work of the Spirit in Paul and amongst the Gentiles was validated as God’s doing. Which made James’ and the Elders request of Paul all the more surprising.
There were some in the Jerusalem church that had misunderstood and misrepresented Paul. Although it certainly was Paul’s position that nothing other than “grace through faith” in Jesus for salvation, many asserted that he was discouraging converted (Christian) Jews not to practice the rich and historic religious practices and customs. James knew Paul’s position didn’t go that far, but nonetheless he exhorted Paul to put the accusations to rest by participating in a high-profile custom while he was present in the city.
It might seem an enormous request to make of Paul. After all, he, at great risk of life and limb, near-death beatings and imprisonment defended the truth of the simplicity of salvation in Christ. On many occasions Paul argued with great passion that Gentiles need not embrace customary Jewish practices to be full partners in the family of God. With his new Gentile Elders holding their breath for his response, what could Paul do with his convictions other than respectfully decline the request?
But, wow, he didn’t decline. He, without hesitation, met their demands and participated in the Jewish custom! Why? F.F. Bruce puts it best, “A truly emancipated spirit such as Paul’s is not in bondage to its own emancipation.” Paul has always been clear. Jesus is essential; nothing else (even religion) is necessary. Paul was free from the necessity of the ritual, but equally free to participate! Consider 1 Cor 9:19-23.
How would someone describe you? What are your most evident characteristics? (More specifically, if you’re a Christian…what defines you as such?)
What if someone asked you to give up one of those characteristics, or something you hold dear?
Why (for what purpose) would you ever set aside a conviction or practice a conviction you don’t share?
What is essential, and how do we keep it as such?
How, in casual conversation, might you re-direct conversation from characteristics or convictions to Christ?
