Acts 21:15-26 – Paul in Jerusalem

God’s purpose is so often different to ours. God works in situations that look so confusing to us. But all is calm in the mind of God, the whole of history is as a “sea of glass” (Revelation 15:2) from the throne of God. James and the elders gathered and gloried in the Lord for His grace to the Gentiles (vs. 18-20). They then spelled out a problem. Many of the Christians were Jews and still wedded to the Old Testament ceremonies and allowed, during the transition period to the New Testament (or “New Covenant” – the new administration of the Covenant of Grace) to observe these. Paul agreed to a sample observance of the Old Testament ceremonies provided the decisions of the Jerusalem synod were adhered to and no impositions were made upon the Gentile Christians.

Questions
1. Is there any Biblical warrant for Jewish believers observing Old Testament and otherwise redundant ceremonies today?

Prayer Points
1. Give thanks that ceremonies have been fulfilled in Christ.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.