Acts 21:23

23 This is what we want you to do. There are four men here who have taken a vow. ¹

Acts 21:23 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 21:23

Do therefore this that we say to thee
This is said not as commanding, but as advising; and not to what was a duty, and necessary to be done as such, but as a point of prudence:

we have four men which have a vow on them;
that is, there were four men who were of the church at Jerusalem, believers in Christ, but weak ones, who were zealous of the law, and bigots to it, and who had voluntarily vowed a vow of the Nazarites; see ( Numbers 6:2 ) .

Acts 21:23 In-Context

21 They have been told that you have been teaching all the Jews who live in Gentile countries to abandon the Law of Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or follow the Jewish customs.

22 They are sure to hear that you have arrived. What should be done, then?

23 This is what we want you to do. There are four men here who have taken a vow.

24 Go along with them and join them in the ceremony of purification and pay their expenses; then they will be able to shave their heads. In this way everyone will know that there is no truth in any of the things that they have been told about you, but that you yourself live in accordance with the Law of Moses.

25 But as for the Gentiles who have become believers, we have sent them a letter telling them we decided that they must not eat any food that has been offered to idols, or any blood, or any animal that has been strangled, and that they must keep themselves from sexual immorality."

Cross References

• 1. 21.23, 24Numbers 6.13-21.