August 25, 2021 - Acts 21:15-25

The eye of the storm is a distinctive place! Storm chasers and professionals who have reached the center state find there is tranquility and peace in that space. All around the eye a storm is raging and destruction is occurring but, inside the eye, birds sing and the sun may shine. Then, comes the other wall of the storm and the peace ends.

Paul came to Jerusalem and the brethren received him gladly. They listened closely to his words about the ministry the Lord had done in the lives of the Gentiles. They rejoiced and gave glory to God for all He had done. Then, James and the elders presented to Paul the multitude of Jewish believers who were committed to Jesus but still kept the law. With this phrase, “still kept the law”, the storm clouds began to form and the eye of the storm was about to pass by Paul.

Rumors and half truths are often key ingredients in creating an emotional storm of misunderstanding and emotion. These zealous Jewish believers had been told that Paul was teaching all the Jews to forsake Moses, not to circumcise, and not walk according to the customs of their forefathers. These allegations would need to be addressed as Paul returned to Jerusalem.

The council’s advice was for Paul to go to the temple with four men who had taken a Nazarene vow and fulfill the pledge of purification by performing the rituals of the Levitical law. Paul then was to pay the expenses of the four men to demonstrate his willingness to keep the Jewish customs. By keeping the rituals for seven days, Paul would be able to show that the rumors were false and his message was in accordance with the teaching of the church in Jerusalem.

Paul’s desire to be a witness to the people that meant so much to him allowed him to bear a heavy load of responsibility. He took the men, completed the time of purification, entered the temple, and extended the payment for the offerings needed to complete the ceremony.

There are times when going the extra mile to make the truth known is beneficial to everyone. It allows the storm of misunderstanding and sprinkling of rumors to be exposed as untrue. Approach your circumstances with prayer and a clear understanding of the potential dangers your actions could create as others observe your actions! and react.

With an Expectant Hope,

Pastor Miller