The predictions that were made all along Paul’s journey back to Jerusalem were right on. Paul came to Jerusalem at a time when Jewish nationalism was peaking, and anti-Gentile sentiments were being inflamed by the brutal Roman suppression of Jewish uprisings. Paul, moreover, had become well known for his outreach among the Gentiles. You can imagine how this went down with the nationalistic Jews. Paul was going right against the flow of popular sentiment. To make things worse there were rumours going around that Paul had abandoned the Law of Moses and was teaching others to do the same. So, Paul goes through a strange but quintessentially Jewish Nazirite ceremony which was designed to demonstrate devotion to God and his law. This was typical of how Paul operated. Paul went out of his way not to antagonise people. He wasn’t abrasive or rash. He was careful to observe social and religious conventions. He always went where he was invited and always spoke when it was appropriate. He was bold but his boldness was guided by the sensitivity of both wisdom and love. Don’t take ‘martyr-credit’ if people reject you because you are abrasive, belligerent or morally arrogant. Give people no cause for offense at you. Don’t provoke conflict by your lack of sensitivity. Paul was prepared to do anything to defuse controversy and conflict. He was prepared to be “all things to all men so as to win some”. He was willing to face persecution, but he ensured there was nothing in him that warranted it.
Reflect on what more you may be able to do to reach those around you.
Read Acts 21:17-26 and 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
