And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. (16) There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. (17) And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. (18) And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. (19) And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. (20) And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: (21) And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. (22) What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. (23) Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; (24) Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. (25) As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. (26) Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
In addition to what I have already observed, on the subject of Paul's giving in to Jewish customs, upon this, and the like occasions, (See Acts 18:23 and the Commentary on that place), I would only detain the Reader to remark here, how much this temporizing Spirit produced the very reverse of what it was intended. From what motive it was that the Apostle was prevailed upon to comply with their advice, is not said: but, from Paul's general conduct on this subject, there can be no doubt, that it was foreign to his own sentiments. Let the Reader consult but his Epistle to the Galatians, and especially Galatians 2:11 to the end, and Galatians 5:1-6, and he must conclude, that the Apostle's heart was not in this business. And, is it not probable, that the proposal made by those friends at Jerusalem, arose from their having heard, that Paul had done the same thing at Cenchre? So that a departure in one instance, only makes way for another. And even our friends, as we here discover, take advantage therefrom of our weakness. Precious Jesus! where shall we look for perfection, but to thee? thou holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens! Hebrews 7:26.