Paul at Jerusalem
15After these days we got ready and started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16Some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us, taking us to Mnason of Cyprus, a disciple of long standing with whom we were to lodge.
17After we arrived in Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18And the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law; 21and they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22“What, then, is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23“Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law. 25“But concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote, having decided that they should abstain from meat sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication.” 26Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purifying himself along with them, went into the temple giving notice of the completion of the days of purification, until the sacrifice was offered for each one of them.
"he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry."
Christians we must not get puffed up when working for God. I have always been reluctant to call any ministry mine, rather His. Be humble while working for Him and give Him the glory. Then you will not allow Satan a foothold through pride in His ministry.
The Jews were spreading lies about Paul to stir up the people so they could seize him and kill him putting and end to him spreading the gospel. Why do men fear the truth? They fear loosing power over people. The same is true today.
The elders were warning Paul that the Jews "will certainly hear that you have come."
"24take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law."
James and the elders asked Paul to gratify the Jews by submitting to a purification ceremony with four other men and paying their expenses, honoring the law.
Really? They wanted to kill Paul, no lawful ceremony honoring God would stop them from honoring Satan.
Why do men try to please man instead of God?
We always try to fix things instead of leaving them to Jesus Christ. He created the heavens and the earth. Can He not turn the minds and hearts of men?
Remember the Pharaoh?
Dear Heavenly Father I lift up those working in Your ministries around the world. May we all have humble hearts while working for you. Help us to remember we cannot be saved by works but through grace alone. Use us where we can honor and glorify You.
In Jesus name I pray.
Blessings David
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