Acts 21 - Introduction

THE BOOK OF ACTS. CHAPTER 21

OUTLINE AND COMMENTARY. MARK DUNAGAN

Observations

In the end the plan (Acts 21:22-26) does not work. It appears that this plan is simply the product of human reasoning (this does not mean that the plan was wrong) but simply that the intended result was not achieved.

The following mob action will reveal the intense hatred that existed towards Paul. He was respecting the Jewish customs and yet people still hated him or assumed the worst about him.

The above plan is probably an example of Paul seeking to accommodate himself to different cultures (1 Corinthians 9:19 ff).

In applying the principles behind this section of Scripture the reader needs to exercise caution. The above verses do not mean that Gentiles could in like manner frequent idol temples (1 Corinthians 8:1), or engage in idolatrous sacrifices (1 Corinthians 10:21). Remember, idolatry, paganism and for that matter denominationalism is and has always been unauthorized religion and worship. Judaism was an authorized religion, and therefore it's practices were not inherently sinful, and thus could be engaged in as. matter of custom or national identity without any connection to salvation or worship.