A Jew to the Jew

A Question of Motive

To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law
I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law),
so as to win those under the law.—1 Corinthians 9:20, NIV

Homer Montague

The amazing transformation of the apostle Paul following his conversion on the road to Damascus attested to his extraordinary courage, zeal in proclaiming the gospel, patient endurance of persecution, deep insight into God’s plan and purpose, concern for the spiritual growth of the churches, and unflagging determination to be faithful to the Master’s cause. It is for these reasons and more that he commended himself as an example worthy of imitation when he exhorted, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Paul’s teachings concerning the dispensational change that put Jews and Gentiles on an equal footing for entrance into the body of Christ after the middle wall of partition was broken down (Ephesians 2:11-16), and that following the practices embodied in the Mosaic Law were not necessary for salvation, were viewed by some Jews as heresy.

After Paul completed his third missionary journey and reported to the Jerusalem elders how Gentiles responded to the gospel message, the leaders there proposed that Paul associate himself with four other men in a purification ceremony to demonstrate that he was not opposed to the law. It is likely these brethren were not comfortable with Paul’s presence in their midst and, in addition to their concern for his personal safety, they may have thought his teachings might also bring them persecution because of their association with him. Paul acquiesced to this request, a riot ensued, and he was taken into custody by the Roman soldiers because of the disturbance (Acts 21:20-33).

Was Paul Inconsistent?

Some biblical commentators argue that Paul, in an attempt to keep the peace by appearing in the temple with the other Jews who took part in the purification activities, was inconsistent with his conduct in other situations, such as when he rebuked Peter for no longer eating with Gentile converts in the presence of Jewish believers who had come from Jerusalem (Galatians 2:11-14). By this reasoning, Paul’s beating and capture demonstrated God’s disapproval of his behavior. It is asserted the heavenly Father permitted chastisement to be meted out to Paul as a form of censure for his unseemly conduct.

In support of the opposite view that Paul’s actions were entirely appropriate, it should be noted that the Scriptural record contains no specific words of rebuke to Paul by the Lord for supporting the purification vows. His being placed in bonds was in fulfillment of prophetic testimony given before his arrival in Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-14). Knowing this, Paul courageously proceeded onward, trusting the Lord’s overruling providence in all of his experiences. Even after Paul’s seizure in the temple by his opponents and his subsequent appearance before the Sanhedrin and appeal to the Pharisees (Acts 23:1-10), he received succor from above, as we read: “The night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11).

Paul and the Mosaic Law

Paul’s teaching concerning the relationship of the Mosaic Law to Jewish believers is illustrated by these words: “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster” (Galatians 3:23-25). He therefore repudiated the authority of the law over believers in Christ, as well as the obligation to observe its customs.

Extending this understanding further, he also declared of Jewish Christians, “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Colossians 2:11-14). Thus, unlike the Jewish legalists, who affirmed these various customs and features associated with the law were obligatory, Paul’s conclusion was that liberty in Christ made these ordinances optional for Jewish believers and not incumbent upon Gentile converts at all.

In a totally separate context, while addressing the relationship of Jewish Christians to the Mosaic law, the apostle Paul deals with such topics as Sabbath keeping, dietary matters, liberty, and the condemnation of brethren who view non-essential matters in a different light (Romans 14:1 to 15:7). He taught that individual liberty in these and similar matters was to be allowed, as long as those who observed dietary restrictions or Sabbath keeping did not consider them to be requirements, as though they still were under the Mosaic law, for to do so would make the sacrifice of Christ ineffectual.

Paul’s philosophy was to witness for Christ in the most effective way possible; he adjusted his presentations based upon whether his audience consisted of Jews or Gentiles without sacrificing fundamental principles of truth as they might relate to moral or doctrinal matters (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).

Paul’s Courage

Returning to the purification incident and the false accusation that Paul had brought Greeks into the temple (Acts 21:28), we see that he was not fearful to testify about Jesus Christ. After the soldiers rescued him from the mob, he proceeded to witness to them, citing his credentials as one who was born a Jew but accepted Christ as his Savior while traveling to Damascus (Acts 21:39). It was not until Paul declared he was commissioned to bring the gospel to the Gentiles that his opponents were again stirred up, declaring he was unfit to live (Acts 22:22). Paul was devoted to speaking the truth, no matter what the circumstances were.

An accurate assessment as to whether Paul erred in associating himself with the other brethren involved in the purification ceremony would require a knowledge of his motives. Since the Scriptures do not specifically state why Paul engaged in this Jewish symbolic rite, nor can we read his heart and mind to determine what prompted him to take the course that he did, it is impossible to know with absolute certainty whether any aspect of his conduct in this matter was improper.

Lessons for Believers Today

In considering the apostle Paul’s decision to heed the counsel of the Jerusalem elders respecting the purification rite, believers may also glean lessons from biblical references that can be applied to their own lives as aids to determine an appropriate course of conduct under various circumstances. Here are five:

1. “All things are lawful for me, but … all things edify not. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:23,31).
   Sometimes, in an effort to aid an erring member of the brotherhood, one may say something that causes pain. Conversely, a brother may give an eloquent prayer in public with a desire to receive praise for his expressions. In the first instance, if we unwittingly offend, we may express regret for our insensitivity but still glorify the heavenly Father because our motives were pure. However, the utterance of public prayer for the purpose of receiving adulation from others would be an abomination in the sight of God.

2. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
   During ecclesia business meetings, for example, a variety of views may be expressed concerning a particular course of action the class might take concerning an activity. Although strong personal preferences may be expressed, in the spirit of harmony and unity it may be wise to yield to the majority rather than insist something be done in a particular way. Conversely, the propriety of partaking of the bread and the cup, symbolizing the perfect flesh of the Redeemer and his sacrificial course in pouring out his soul unto death, is an example of what believers should do on the anniversary of the Master’s death. It is a matter of obedience to Scriptural teaching and not an optional matter of judgment based upon personal preference.

3. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
  The apostle Paul exemplified the meaning of this text whether the occasion was favorable to him personally or not. Believers should faithfully witness to the glorious plan of salvation whenever possible. Sin and death have reigned on planet earth for more than 6,000 years and conditions across the globe continue to deteriorate. Who but the Lord’s people can explain why evil exists and what the future hope for mankind really is?

4. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
   Like Paul, Christians should rely upon God’s precious promises and courageously proceed by faith in the doing of his will, no matter how much opposition is received. Realizing our times are in God’s hands, the spirit-begotten are to continue being spent in the service of the Lord until he determines it is enough. “He who preserves his life shall lose it; but he who loses his life, on my account, will preserve it” (Matthew 10:39, Emphatic Diaglott).

5. “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” (James 4:12).
   Contributing to the riot incited against Paul were not only accusations by some of the Jews from Asia that his teachings were contrary to the law, but also the false charge that he had defiled the temple by bringing Greeks into its inner courts (Acts 21:27-29). Previously Paul had been seen with a Gentile convert, Trophimus, in Jerusalem and his enemies assumed both went into the temple. For new creatures, evil surmising is to be recognized as a work of the flesh and is to be resisted. When the behavior of other brethren seems inconsistent with their profession of consecration, it would be improper to harbor suspicions of wrong doing on their part. It is far better to assume the seeming misconduct is due to a misperception and then ask about it in a non-judgmental manner.

Although Paul’s conduct in associating with those who took the purification vow has been questioned, as one of the apostles he is a part of the foundation of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10,14). This valiant soldier of the cross was faithful unto death. Let us also be faithful as well, by continually and honestly echoing his declaration in our lives: “Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16).