Acts 21:23

KJV

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

KJV (with Strong's)

Do {G4160} therefore {G3767} this {G5124} that {G3739} we say {G3004} to thee {G4671}: We {G2254} have {G1526} four {G5064} men {G435} which have {G2171} a vow {G2192} on {G1909} them {G1438};

Complete Jewish Bible

So do what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore do what we advise you. There are four men with us who have taken a vow.

American Standard Version

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men that have a vow on them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 21:23, James and the elders of the Jerusalem church present a strategic proposal to the Apostle Paul, urging him to participate in a purification rite alongside four Jewish believers who have taken a vow. This counsel is offered as a means to publicly refute widespread rumors among Jewish Christians that Paul was actively teaching diaspora Jews to forsake the Mosaic Law, thereby demonstrating his respect for Jewish customs and fostering unity within the nascent Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Paul's ministry, marking his return to Jerusalem at the conclusion of his third missionary journey. Having just recounted the glorious work of God among the Gentiles, Paul is immediately confronted with the deep-seated concerns of the Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem. James and the elders acknowledge the thousands of Jewish believers who are "zealous for the law" ([Acts 21:20](/acts/21-20 "Acts 21:20 - Zeal for the Law")), and they are aware of the persistent, false accusations against Paul—that he was teaching Jews to abandon circumcision and Mosaic customs ([Acts 21:21](/acts/21-21 "Acts 21:21 - False Accusations Against Paul")). The advice in [Acts 21:23](/acts/21-23 "Acts 21:23 - The Elders' Counsel to Paul") is thus a direct, pastoral response to this volatile situation, designed to alleviate tension and preserve unity between Jewish and Gentile segments of the church, following the principles of the [Jerusalem Council outlined in Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was grappling with its identity as a movement rooted in Judaism but expanding rapidly among Gentiles. Jewish believers, many of whom were "zealous for the Law," continued to observe Mosaic customs, including dietary laws, circumcision, and Temple rituals. The Nazirite vow, mentioned implicitly in this passage, was a special vow of consecration to God, outlined in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6-1-21 "Numbers 6:1-21 - The Law of the Nazirite"), involving abstinence from wine, not cutting hair, and avoiding defilement from dead bodies. Its completion required specific purification rites and sacrifices at the Temple. Paul's participation in such a vow, and his willingness to bear the expenses for others, would have been a highly visible and culturally significant act, signaling his respect for Jewish traditions and countering the perception that he was an apostate from his heritage. This context highlights the immense pressure on early Christian leaders to navigate deep cultural and religious divides.
* **Key Themes:** The passage highlights several crucial themes. **Unity in Diversity** is paramount, as the leaders strive to maintain cohesion between Jewish and Gentile believers, even amidst differing cultural practices. Paul's willingness to participate demonstrates **Cultural Sensitivity and Strategic Accommodation**, echoing his principle of becoming "all things to all people" ([1 Corinthians 9:22](/1-corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Paul's Adaptability for the Gospel")) to advance the gospel without compromising core truth. The situation also underscores the importance of **Addressing Misinformation and False Accusations** with wisdom and integrity. The elders' plan is a proactive measure to combat slander and protect Paul's reputation, which was vital for the ongoing spread of the gospel. Furthermore, it subtly touches upon the **Relationship Between Law and Grace**, showing that while salvation is by grace through faith, respect for cultural heritage and non-essential practices can be maintained for the sake of brotherly love and witness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** From G4160, this primary verb signifies "to make or do" in a very wide application. In this context, it is an imperative, a direct command or strong suggestion from James and the elders to Paul, urging him to perform a specific action. It implies a deliberate, active participation in the proposed plan, not merely passive agreement.
* **say (Greek, _légō'_):** From G3004, this primary verb means "to lay forth" or "relate in words," often implying systematic or set discourse. Here, it refers to the authoritative and well-considered counsel being offered by the leadership in Jerusalem. It indicates that the advice is not a casual suggestion but a carefully articulated strategy.
* **vow (Greek, _euchḗ'_):** From G2171, this noun properly refers to "a wish, expressed as a petition to God, or in votive obligation." In the context of Acts 21, it specifically denotes the Nazirite vow, a solemn promise or consecration made to God under the Mosaic Law. The presence of these "four men which have a vow on them" provides the specific opportunity for Paul to demonstrate his adherence to Jewish customs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Do therefore this that we say to thee":** This opening clause is a direct, imperative instruction from James and the elders to Paul. The word "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) acts as a logical connector, indicating that the advice that follows is a consequence or conclusion drawn from the preceding discussion—namely, the concerns about Paul's reputation among Jewish believers. The phrase "this that we say to thee" emphasizes the specific, immediate, and actionable nature of their counsel, setting the stage for the proposed plan.
* **"We have four men which have a vow on them":** This second clause provides the specific context and opportunity for the "this" mentioned in the first clause. It reveals the particular situation that the elders intend to leverage: there are four Jewish men who have completed or are completing a vow, most likely a Nazirite vow. The phrase "have a vow on them" (combining G2192 _échō_ "to hold" and G2171 _euchḗ_ "vow" with G1909 _epí_ "on" and G1438 _heautoû_ "themselves") signifies that these men are under the obligation of a sacred promise to God, which would culminate in a purification ceremony and sacrifices at the Temple. Paul's association with them in this public ritual would serve as a powerful counter-narrative to the false rumors.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Direct Address** and **Exhortation**. James and the elders directly address Paul, offering specific advice in a clear, instructional tone. The use of the imperative "Do" underscores the urgency and importance of their counsel. There is also an element of **Situational Irony**, as Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles who championed freedom from the Law, is advised to participate in a highly ritualistic Jewish practice to appease Jewish Christians. This highlights the complex and often paradoxical nature of ministry, where cultural sensitivity and strategic action are sometimes required even when they seem to contradict one's primary theological emphasis, all for the greater good of gospel unity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:23 underscores the profound theological tension and practical challenges faced by the early church in bridging the divide between its Jewish roots and its burgeoning Gentile expansion. It highlights the principle that while salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, and the Law does not justify, there is still wisdom in exercising cultural sensitivity and flexibility in non-essential matters for the sake of unity and effective witness. The elders' counsel, and Paul's subsequent agreement, demonstrate a commitment to peace within the body of Christ, seeking to remove unnecessary stumbling blocks for those zealous for the Law, without compromising the core truth of the Gospel. This act was not about Paul reverting to legalism, but about demonstrating love and respect to his Jewish brethren, proving that his message of grace did not equate to contempt for their heritage.

* [Acts 15:28](/acts/15-28 "Acts 15:28 - The Jerusalem Council's Decision")
* [1 Corinthians 9:22](/1-corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Paul Becomes All Things to All People")
* [Romans 14:19](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursue Peace and Mutual Edification")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:23 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church today. It challenges us to consider how we navigate differences within the body of Christ, particularly when those differences relate to cultural expressions, traditions, or non-essential practices. Like Paul, we are called to prioritize unity and the advancement of the gospel over personal preferences or even perceived theological purity in secondary matters. This passage encourages us to be wise and discerning in addressing misinformation and false accusations, choosing clarity and humble demonstration over defensive arguments. It reminds us that true Christian liberty is not merely freedom *from* the Law, but freedom *for* love, which sometimes means voluntarily limiting our freedom for the sake of others' consciences and the broader witness of the church. Our actions, even in seemingly minor areas, can either build bridges or erect walls, and wisdom dictates that we build bridges for the sake of Christ's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of Christian unity in the face of diverse practices or traditions?**
* **In what ways might I be called to exercise cultural sensitivity or strategic accommodation for the sake of the gospel or church unity today?**
* **How can I respond wisely and graciously to misinformation or false accusations about my faith or the church?**
* **What "non-essential" practices might I need to reconsider for the sake of building up others or removing stumbling blocks in my community?**

### FAQ
**What was the Nazirite vow, and why was Paul advised to participate in it?**

Answer: The Nazirite vow was a special vow of consecration to God outlined in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6-1-21 "Numbers 6:1-21 - The Law of the Nazirite"). It involved a period of separation during which a person abstained from wine, did not cut their hair, and avoided contact with dead bodies. At the completion of the vow, specific purification rites and sacrifices were made at the Temple. Paul was advised to participate in this ritual, and even to pay the expenses for the four men, as a public demonstration of his respect for Jewish customs and the Mosaic Law. This was a strategic move to counter false rumors circulating among Jewish believers that Paul was teaching Jews in the diaspora to abandon the Law and their heritage ([Acts 21:21](/acts/21-21 "Acts 21:21 - Accusations Against Paul")). By engaging in this highly visible act, Paul could show that he was not against the Law itself, but rather that his message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ was for all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 21:23 describes Paul's strategic adherence to Jewish custom, it ultimately points to Christ as the fulfillment of all vows, laws, and purification rites. The Nazirite vow, with its emphasis on separation and consecration, foreshadowed the ultimate consecration of Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")) and lived a life entirely devoted to God. His sacrifice on the cross is the definitive act of purification, making obsolete the need for repeated animal sacrifices and ceremonial washings ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Paul's willingness to participate in this Jewish rite, though seemingly a step back into the Law, was in fact an act of love and unity, echoing Christ's own mission to break down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, even in Paul's cultural accommodation, the ultimate truth proclaimed is that all true purification, consecration, and unity are found in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 18:18

¶ And Paul [after this] tarried [there] yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn [his] head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

Numbers 6:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate [themselves] to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate [themselves] unto the LORD:

Numbers 6:7

He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God [is] upon his head.