Acts 15:11 and Sola fide

[MT1926]

This is where I get confused, forgive me, just seeking out all truths and want to understand. Then in all one is saying. So James only did so, to mislead, appease those by which James himself is a member of>>> those who already belonged to the community of the Faithful, through which the Gentles want to enter into the fold of Faith?

OK let me see if I can help straighten out the confusion.

May I ask why you believe James is being misleading?

If your school teacher gave you homework in which you had to perform 10 steps to complete a math problem, but when you got it home your dad showed you how he does it in 3 steps, does this mean your teacher misled you? or does it mean your teacher wanted you to do the extra steps to teach you something along side what the main point of the problem was?

James would accept those who committed Fornication? Idolatry? So the 4 Laws that were given then was to bring about Good, to stop such pagan practices? Sorry your reply confuses me greatly now.

If you reread my reply you will notice I only said the “food restrictions” were relaxed.

Idolatry is already covered under the first commandment to Love God, as you pointed out is already in scripture.

Fornication is already covered under the second love neighbor.

Neither of these two could be relaxed. And if you think about it, like you said these were already spoken of in the NT. So James really wasn’t making some new law on the Gentiles, these were no brainers. Which is why he used them to appease the Jews.

 

[MT1926]

Exactly why the 4 Laws were given to the gentles from following pagan rituals beliefs etc, to stop such transgressions etc? Peace

As I already stated James was doing this to keep the peace.

As for why James put in place dietary laws just keep reading to what Paul says…

1 Corinthians 8
Food Offered to Idols
8 Now concerning food offered to idols:[a] we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” “Knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If any one imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if one loves God, one is known by him.

4 Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through being hitherto accustomed to idols, eat food as really offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Basically, St. Paul is telling us it’s not the eating of food sacrificed to idols that is bad it is the idol worship itself. So if this meat, which is what was commonly sold in the market place, is all you can afford to eat. Go for it, just be cautious that you don’t become a stumbling block for someone who doesn’t know any better.

Hope this helps,

God Bless

 

[Cathoholic]

Gmsod (quoting a segment of Acts 15) . . . .

we believe to be saved . . .

The reason this is true, is because salvation is a process. A lifelong process.

So even AFTER you are saved, you MUST believe and CONTINUE to be saved.

(Just like you need to persevere in hope and charitable works too).

And if someone REFUSES this grace of faith, then as St. Paul says, they have “abandoned the faith” and made “shipwreck of their faith” and will NOT be saved unless they repent and believe etc.

Hope this helps.

God bless.

Cathoholic

.

Remember.

There is a natural element to faith (“how can one believe who has not heard the word preached”?–see Romans 10) and there is a supernatural aspect too (The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us Jesus is “the author and finisher of our faith”).

Faith is a human act.
Faith is ALSO a grace.

You NEED both dimensions.

When a person rejects faith, that is “on them”. Not “on God”.

They NEED faith and . . . .
. . . they NEED to persevere in their faith (and hope, and charity).

 

[De_Maria]

Hello,
So i just have a question about this particular passage, Acts 15:11, which reads:

“but, through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe to be saved, even as also they.” (Young’s literally translation)
or
“But by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe to be saved, in like manner as they also.“ (Douay Rheims)

Before anyone says anything, I do realize that both Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants believe in salvation solely as a gift of GOD by grace. My confusion is in the context of the passage.
Peter has been discussing with the other Apostles and elders about how the Pharisees have been telling Gentile converts that they must be circumcised in order to be saved. In response he says that they are trying to put a yoke on the gentiles that neither they nor their fathers could bare. He then says what was said previously in Acts 15:11.
It seems like his reasoning for discounting the requirement to be circumcised to be saved is that we are instead saved by GOD’s grace through JESUS.

In the Sacraments. We are saved in Baptism.

I have no confusion that that is true, but why he says it makes it seem as if the reason they didn’t have to be circumcised was because all they needed was GOD’s grace,

Which is poured out upon is in the Sacraments.

which albeit doesn’t equate to faith alone, but at least appears to say that requiring someone to do actions is an unnecessary condition for salvation because we are saved by GOD’s grace.

If you read Titus 3:5, he says, “we are not saved by good works we have done”. Which means, to me anyway, that the first condition for salvation is doing good works. In other words, God doesn’t save anyone who doesn’t do good works. See Matt 25:31-46 the sheep and goats.

From my readings of the Bible and Church fathers and reason itself I can see that faith alone seems wrong, but this passage and it’s context has been bugging me still because I haven’t been able to think of or find an explanation.

The explanation is in the Sacraments vs the Mosaic Law.

All help is appreciated. Thank y’all for reading for and GOD bless!

[/QUOTE]
God bless you, as well.

 

[Cathoholic]

Yes Gmsod.

As DeMaria said . . . .

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Titus 3:5, he says, “we are not saved by good works we have done”.

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I don’t want to give you the impression we “earn” our salvation.

Before that moment of salvation God draws all men to Himself.

This is God making the initial move towards us (the theologians call graces initiated by God, “God’s prevenient grace”).

After He moves us towards Him, He CONTINUES gracing us.

Hopefully we respond in kind via Baptism (that moment followed by a process or as the CCC says, the “gateway” to the Christian life–CCC 1213).

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CCC 1213 Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 4 and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."5

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We have our faith deepened in a supernatural way at Baptism (that’s part of WHY Baptism is also called “The Sacrament of Faith”. When the Priest asks a Baptismal recipient what they desire they can answer “Baptism” but a valid alternative is they can answer “faith”).

We also have supernatural hope and charity poured into us at our Baptism as well.

We are now “saved” or have “sanctifying grace” whereas before Baptism we did not.

1/2

 

[Cathoholic]

2/2

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God the Father did not send His Son Jesus to die for us and save us because of anything humanity did (or because of anything humanity believed either).

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TITUS 3:5 5 he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit . . .

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God the Father did NOT say to Jesus, . . . .

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“Well Son. Those people have done SOOO MANY deeds in righteousness, so you just GOTTA go down there and save them! You OWE it to them.”

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Rather He saved us by virtue of His own mercy.

And He did this by Calvary and transmits this to us via Baptism (the “instrumental cause” of our salvation).

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COUNCIL OF TRENT (Session VI, Chapter 7)
.
Of this Justification the causes are these: the final cause indeed is the glory of God and of Jesus Christ, and life everlasting;
while the efficient cause is a merciful God who washes and sanctifies gratuitously, signing, and anointing with the holy Spirit of promise, who is the pledge of our inheritance;
but the meritorious cause is His most beloved only-begotten, our Lord Jesus Christ, who, when we were enemies, for the exceeding charity wherewith he loved us, merited Justification for us by His most holy Passion on the wood of the cross, and made satisfaction for us unto God the Father;
the instrumental cause is the sacrament of baptism, which is the sacrament of faith, without which (faith) no man was ever justified; lastly,
the alone formal cause is the justice of God, not that whereby He Himself is just, but that whereby He maketh us just, that, to wit, with which we being endowed by Him, are renewed in the spirit of our mind, and we are not only reputed, but are truly called, and are, just, receiving justice within us, each one according to his own measure, which the Holy Ghost distributes to every one as He wills, and according to each one’s proper disposition and co-operation.

http://www.thecounciloftrent.com

Anything we “do” AFTER we are saved (after we have the life of grace in us via Baptism) is grace initiated by God, done with God’s assistance, and completed by God.

But you can CHOOSE to reject these graces and NOT have faith.

Or despair (or presume) and REJECT hope.

And likewise you can CHOOSE to REJECT the workings of the Holy Spirit in you and through you regarding charity and works too.

Notice it is God at WORK IN YOU (both for the will and good pleasure of the Father)–Philippians 2:13.

It is NOT your mere works on your own but your “cooperation” with God’s WORKING in you and through you (after our Baptism. After “He saved us” in His mercy.)

(Which is WHY we as Catholics can insist OUR works cannot save us, but that doesn’t get us off the hook for the NEED to DO good works either. Works required according to your state in life.

An adult of sound mind, will obviously have more required than a mentally handicapped person. “To whom much is given, much is REQUIRED”).

 

[Gmsod]

Thank you very much. What you said about if it meant that we had no part in our salvation and thus no faith made sense. That answers my concerns that this teaches Sola Fide, but i am still confused as to why Peter used this particular argument against circumcising as a requirement for salvation. Thanks

GOD bless!

 

[rose321]

Important to continue reading Acts 15:20 " It seems good to the Holy Spirit and to as not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements"
4 Laws> most important ones? Need not to be circumcised>obeying the Law, shed no innocent blood?

If you reread my reply you will notice I only said the “food restrictions” were relaxed.

4 Laws James gives where all agreed by > Jerusalem Council of Elders present, St Peter, St Paul, St James, Barnabas>does not seem the food restrictions were relaxed, why give them as 4 Laws and mentions forbidden? 2 Laws where food restrictions does not seem to be relaxed does it?

May I ask why you believe James is being misleading?

Do not believe James was being misleading, considered to be a Holy Righteous man of God, dearly loved by the community of the Faithful.

Idolatry is already covered under the first commandment to Love God, as you pointed out is already in scripture.

Fornication is already covered under the second love neighbor.

Correct all throughout the whole Bible, in Jesus teaching only> Love fulfills the Laws. Does not mean they are done away with, according to St Paul either, stating heaven forbid, and are we not judged on judgement Day for a reason? Opinion only>>To Love Him is to observe by living in the Way in accordance to His Laws? And as written obedience is better then any sacrifice. Can list Bible verses on this also. To render our Temple ( bodies) Holy unto the Lord. Wants us to have a long life, healthy etc?

Neither of these two could be relaxed.

Maybe theses 2 could not be relaxed because >>>they are The Royal Holy Moral Laws, choices are ours to make> but through out the whole Bible God defines what He considers is Fornication and Idolatry can list over 70 + Bible verses on each (NO slight matter with HIM), leaves us not ignorant, gives us instructions, does he not?

Circumcision was done away with, why?
Found within his Spoken Word all through out OT> no shedding of innocent blood? Genesis 9:4-6 Duet 5:17, Deut 12:12-13 Deut 12:23, Exodus 20:13, Isaiah 49:26, Isaiah 1:15, Numbers 23:24, Leviticus 17:10-27, Acts 15:29 repeats, Zechariah 9:11, Matthew 23:35, Ezekiel 35:6 many more, explain why circumcision was not needed, obedient to the Laws? Suggest>Daniel 1:8-11-16 what is taking place there, will not defile himself?
Time frame also, when this is all taking place?

He had come also to Light the Way back to the Law even the True Law?

Important to know,James ask St Paul to do the Nazrite Vow, why?
What was James character? How did James live? How did James fully live by, observed? What do we know of this James for there are writings in the early church?
Jesus was he not known as The Nazirene as written in NT?

Grace is Freely given >Grace cannot be earned, but God bestows his Graces upon whom he wills and when He wills>.many Bible verses on this also?

Anyway enjoyed the discussion, will end it there. Thank you for your kind replies! Admire that in you!! Peace

 

[MT1926]

Important to continue reading Acts 15:20 " It seems good to the Holy Spirit and to as not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements"

4 Laws> most important ones? Need not to be circumcised>obeying the Law, shed no innocent blood?

I’m not understanding your point or your objection here. It seems you are saying the Apostles and Holy Spirit are not allowed to create a Law and then go back later and rewrite the Law that they wrote in the first place?

These laws were put in place to help teach the people and then after the people have became accustomed to the law, by learning enough to understand the difference and why that law was instilled, there is no injustice in relaxing the law.

Think about it this way.

I have a law in my house that my 4 year old that he is not allowed to play with matches. Why? Because he could harm himself and others. No once say 10 years pass by and he comes to learn what matches are for and how it could harm us or help us, the law gets relaxed and he gets to use the matches and light the camp fire for the hot dogs.

Did I somehow mislead my 4 year old, because now he is allowed to use matches?

4 Laws James gives where all agreed by > Jerusalem Council of Elders present, St Peter, St Paul, St James, Barnabas>does not seem the food restrictions were relaxed, why give them as 4 Laws and mentions forbidden? 2 Laws where food restrictions does not seem to be relaxed does it?

Didn’t you read my explanation of 1 Corinthians 8?

Do not believe James was being misleading, considered to be a Holy Righteous man of God, dearly loved by the community of the Faithful.

When I told you James did this to keep the peace, you responded…

So James only did so, to mislead, appease those by which James himself is a member of>>> those who already belonged to the community of the Faithful, through which the Gentles want to enter into the fold of Faith?

That was my question why do feel if James did something to keep the peace it automatically means he mislead everyone?

Correct all throughout the whole Bible, in Jesus teaching only> Love fulfills the Laws. Does not mean they are done away with, according to St Paul either, stating heaven forbid, and are we not judged on judgement Day for a reason? Opinion only>>To Love Him is to observe by living in the Way in accordance to His Laws? And as written obedience is better then any sacrifice. Can list Bible verses on this also. To render our Temple ( bodies) Holy unto the Lord. Wants us to have a long life, healthy etc?

I’m sorry this is so choppy I am not sure what you are trying to say here?

 

[MT1926]

Maybe theses 2 could not be relaxed because >>>they are The Royal Holy Moral Laws, choices are ours to make> but through out the whole Bible God defines what He considers is Fornication and Idolatry can list over 70 + Bible verses on each (NO slight matter with HIM), leaves us not ignorant, gives us instructions, does he not?

So we are in agreement then?

explain why circumcision was not needed, obedient to the Laws?

Because Baptism is the New Covenant fulfillment of circumcision.

He had come also to Light the Way back to the Law even the True Law?

I’m not sure if this is a question or comment?

Important to know,James ask St Paul to do the Nazrite Vow, why?
What was James character? How did James live? How did James fully live by, observed? What do we know of this James for there are writings in the early church?
Jesus was he not known as The Nazirene as written in NT?

Not familiar with this? When did St. Paul take a Nazrite vow?

I’m not sure how all of these questions apply to Acts 15?

God Bless

 

[guanophore]

Not familiar with this? When did St. Paul take a Nazrite vow?

I’m not sure how all of these questions apply to Acts 15?

James asked him to do this when Paul visited Jerusalem (Acts 23) to make a public demonstration that Paul practiced the law of Moses. The attempt backfired, as he was recognized while in the temple and the accusation that Paul preached leaving the Law of Moses resulted in a riot. When Paul told the crowd he had been called by God to preach to the Gentiles they wanted to kill him, so the Romans took him into protective custody. Eventually Paul was taken to Rome, where he was beheaded.

 

[MT1926]

James asked him to do this when Paul visited Jerusalem (Acts 23) to make a public demonstration that Paul practiced the law of Moses.

Thanks I found it, it’s in Acts 21.

It still leaves me confused by the point @rose321 is trying to make from this?

Yes St. Paul did the Nazrite vow, but him performing the vow isn’t some sort of sign, to us, that these four laws were written in stone for all eternity.

According to my Ignatius study Bible the reason James asked Paul to do this was because the rumors were going around that Paul was teaching the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs (Verse 21). Which would include the 4 settle upon in Acts 15.

It just seems she is reading this as a proof text that these 4 customs could never be changed by the Church.

Which the Council of Florence already said the dietary laws were relaxed.

Thanks for the insight.

I love this website, learn something new every day.

God Bless

 

[rose321]

t just seems she is reading this as a proof text that these 4 customs could never be changed by the Church.

Which the Council of Florence already said the dietary laws were relaxed.

Your close!! Question is who said they were not relaxed and why? Peace

 

[rose321]

I’m not sure how all of these questions apply to Acts 15?

What Scriptures was Jesus heavily quoting, reading preaching from? Peace

 

[MT1926]

Your close!! Question is who said they were not relaxed and why? Peace

I’m sorry Rose but your questions are really confusing. What does your close mean?

I don’t mean to sound unkind but is English your second language? Because it seems like what you are typing is getting translated in choppy sentences.

You are asking me here…

who said they were not relaxed

You are the one who is saying they were not relaxed. You said it here…

4 Laws James gives where all agreed by > Jerusalem Council of Elders present, St Peter, St Paul, St James, Barnabas>does not seem the food restrictions were relaxed, why give them as 4 Laws and mentions forbidden? 2 Laws where food restrictions does not seem to be relaxed does it?

The you asked…

and why? Peace

I don’t know why? That’s why I am asking you why you said it?

 

[MT1926]

What Scriptures was Jesus heavily quoting, reading preaching from? Peace

Sorry confused again?

Jesus wasn’t quoting anything in Acts 15, he already ascended into heaven.

 

[guanophore]

Yes St. Paul did the Nazrite vow, but him performing the vow isn’t some sort of sign, to us, that these four laws were written in stone for all eternity.

Oh I agree! In fact, they are not “laws” but disciplines, enacted to support unity between the Jews and Gentiles. It is in the same as

“For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.” I Cor. 11:16

You are right, quite the contrary, in fact.

These and other passages were determined to be disciplines (as opposed to doctrines) by the Church, which is why women are no longer expected to wear a head covering to Mass as we did when I was a child.

the reason James asked Paul to do this was because the rumors were going around that Paul was teaching the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs (Verse 21)

Indeed. There is nothing like a demonstration of faith that should convince everyone Paul was a righteous Jew. Like circumcising Timothy, it was not required by God, but helped the spread of the Gospel.

It just seems she is reading this as a proof text that these 4 customs could never be changed by the Church.

I think you are exactly right, but instead of them being understood as customs or disciplines, they are being interpreted as “Laws”. Nowadays, people even eat “blood pie”!

Which the Council of Florence already said the dietary laws were relaxed.

Many reject the councils. Mainstream Protestants accept the first 7 (generally) but those that happened since are not considered valid or binding on all Christians (just Catholics).

I love this website, learn something new every day.

As I do also myself!

Your close!! Question is who said they were not relaxed and why? Peace

You make a good point. To those who do not accept the authority appointed by Christ, such an authority does not exist!

Trouble is, the same authority that did this is responsible for the canon of Scripture.

 

[rose321]

I don’t mean to sound unkind but is English your second language? Because it seems like what you are typing is getting translated in choppy sentences.

You are asking me here…

Respectfully you are NOT being unkind at all and one admires you for that and
along with your kind questions asked. Sorry if I poorly communicate, will try to do better, I confess, I become lazy at times and do not reread, forgive me?

You are the one who is saying they were not relaxed. You said it here…

rose321:

You are correct they were not relaxed, were they? All has to continue to flow when it comes within His Spoken Word, He clearly tells us, I am the same today as yesterday? Isaiah taught us how to read Scripture, line upon line, pretext upon pretext, line upon line, guess cherry picking was not the Great Prophet Isaiah ways was it. maybe?

The you asked…

You are corrrect again! The questions why>>>>>> is for you to search out and seek such knowledge understanding of Scriptures, on your own.

Jesus commanded to his listening audience, to search the Scriptures and Timothy? or was it Luke? Titus?? sorry>>but who said>>> >>>>>. Study to chose thyself approved!

Sorry confused again?

Jesus wasn’t quoting anything in Acts 15, he already ascended into heaven.

You are Correct again MT1926,>>>>>>>>>>>for the NT did not exist>>> not for decades later after even all Apostles had passed even? So when Jesus commands his listening audience to >>>>>>>>>search the Scriptures>>>Question is?>>>>What Scriptures?

What Scriptures also was James, known as James the Just, Righteous, known as brother of the Lord by all the Apostles, St Paul< who sought to gathered to, when dealing with issues of the Community of the Faithful?

All seem to referring backto the Spoken Word within Holy Scripture< to determine>>come to a solution on such decisions made, one being circumcisions and the 4 Laws given?

James, St Paul, Apostles, their preaching and teaching >>>>>flows continues>>>>>>>>with the very same Holy Scriptures>> Jesus was also heavily quoting from, preaching on and teaching on>>>>>>>> to His listening audience >>>>>>>>>>who all gathered around him>>>>>>> to give understanding and knowledge to >>>>>>The Spoken Word of God?

Peace

 

[rose321]

It just seems she is reading this as a proof text that these 4 customs could never be changed by the Church.

Yes St. Paul did the Nazrite vow, but him performing the vow isn’t some sort of sign, to us, that these four laws were written in stone for all eternity.

Nazrite vow was a sign to James, Jerusalem Council required to be preformed to confirm that St Paul faithfulness to those he respresents in His teaching, because what they were hearing from others about St Paul teaching against the Torah Laws,?

that these four laws were written in stone for all eternity.

not that theses four laws were written in stone for all eternity>>

Notice also first James uses the word>>Forbidden<<
What committing fornication is ok now? >Law? Thou shall not?
What committing Idolatry is ok now? >Law? Thou shall not?
Destroy not, for all Life is Sacred in the Blood unto Me? Thou shall not?
Jesus rebukes, boldly, harshly, his own Elders, Highly learned men in the Word, Priest, of his Temple, why??
Did Jesus also come to bring them and us back to the True Teaching of the Law?

Theses Laws( Torah) were not new to the Hebrew Israelites and how to live by, but theses 4 Torah Laws (Torah Laws which Jesus taught) of Moses would be new to gentles pagans? The woman in adultry sin no more? transgressions of the Law ( Torah) major tenets of the Law to be oberved, to begin with, later would learn more understanding when they gathered weekly?.

Jesus motto was I Am The Way, The Truth and The Life, follow Me? A Way of Life bringing us to a Humane and awakening of Concisous > Morality?

Theses 4 Laws >>>are not new either to Hebrew Israelites,if lived by observed is a demonstration of our Faith, public demonstration of our Faith, a Way of Life to live by as Human Beings, and was required by God>>>>> repeated over over over over over and through Jesus teaching also>>> all through out OT?

But theses 4 Laws ( Torah) were new to hear by the Gentles and pagans who had many gods, who those St Paul was seeking out, they were his audience he sought to gather, convert into the fold of Faith, Belief in a One God?

In Romans St Paul is explaining to those who belief not a teaching on Human morality how to live among each other, how to strife toward being a better Human Being ?

Woman’s head covering was never mentioned or taught by Jesus why?
Along with other Manmade Traditions, created were man made laws?>>God did not ask for? Jesus did he not strongly rebuke>>You place heavy burdens on my people I did not ask for?

Peace

 

[guanophore]

Nazrite vow was a sign to James, Jerusalem Council required to be preformed to confirm that St Paul faithfulness to those he respresents in His teaching, because what they were hearing from others about St Paul teaching against the Torah Laws,?

No. I think James and the council believed Paul.

After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

17When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

20When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23so do what we tell you. Acts 21

James asked him to do this as a demonstration to the public.

“Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.” Acts 21;24.

James said “what shall we do”, indicating that he is in solidarity with Paul, and that together they must find a way to demonstrate to the Jews that those rumors about Paul were not accurate. But it was not a “requirement”. They were problem solving together.

After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

17When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

20When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23so do what we tell you.