Acts 21:23

23 So we will tell you what to do: Four of our men have made a promise to God.

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 heard about your teaching, that you tell the Jews who live among those who are not Jews to leave the law of Moses. They have heard that you tell them not to circumcise their children and not to obey Jewish customs.

22 What should we do? They will learn that you have come.

23 So we will tell you what to do: Four of our men have made a promise to God.

24 Take these men with you and share in their cleansing ceremony. Pay their expenses so they can shave their heads. Then it will prove to everyone that what they have heard about you is not true and that you follow the law of Moses in your own life.

25 We have already sent a letter to the non-Jewish believers. The letter said: 'Do not eat food that has been offered to idols, or blood, or animals that have been strangled. Do not take part in sexual sin.'"