Journey Through The Bible
    Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 8-12
    New Testament Reading: Acts 21

So the next day, Paul took the men, having purified himself along with them, and entered the temple, announcing the completion of the purification days when the offering would be made for each of them (Acts 21: 26).

Change is difficult, change is challenging. If we are honest with ourselves, we are like the man who said, “I don’t mind change as long as I don’t have to do anything different.” We are creatures of habit, and like the way we have always done things. We like our traditions.

The legalistic Jews in Paul’s day were the same. They liked their Jewish traditions, and they did not want to change. But their traditions became legalistic when they tried to force every other Christian to do things their way.

So why did Paul agree to go along with James’ plan and try to appease these legalistic Jews? Paul knew that in Christ there is liberty, so why didn’t Paul exercise that liberty?

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. To those who are without the law, like one without the law—though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ—to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some (1 Cor 9:19-22).

Paul would have been completely justified in asserting his freedom in Christ. But he exercised self-control and sensitivity to model to the Jewish believers the humble desire to edify others. Christians ought to surrender their liberty in consideration of others who may observe us, provided it doesn’t contradict God’s Word.

Paul warned the Gentiles not to become involved in the old Jewish religious observances (Gal. 4:1-11). But nowhere did he tell the Jews that it was wrong for them to practice their customs, so long as they did not trust in the customs for salvation or make their customs a test of fellowship (Romans 14:1-15:7) The same grace that gave the Gentiles freedom to abstain also gave the Jews freedom to observe.

Paul followed James’ advice not as a form of salvation by works, but as an expedient means of appeasing the Jews and keeping unity and peace among the brethren.

Even though the requirement of circumcision is not an issue today, legalism in its many forms still exists. Paul’s action is a wonderful example of how we should deal with other Christians who have made some traditions a legalistic rule to follow. If it doesn’t contradict Scripture, then exercise grace in giving them the freedom to observe, and you have the freedom to abstain. However, if necessary, it is better to go along to keep peace and harmony in the fellowship.

Then, as time permits, patiently and gently instruct them from Scripture to correct their thinking and encourage them to continue to grow in their faith. As Paul said, Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching (2 Tim 4:2). See also 1 Pet 3:15-16.