Paul’s arrival at Jerusalem
by Neil Bergmann
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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).
Read Acts 21:15–26
This week’s readings from Acts follow Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem, his encounters with the Jewish and Roman authorities, and his eventual arrest. The story of this part of Paul’s journey is interesting from a historical point of view, but it can be harder to figure out what this narrative has to say to us today about our Christian discipleship journeys. Like many stories throughout the Bible, we discover more about what it means to live as broken humans in a broken world. We find out that existing power structures don’t like to be challenged, whether in the church (the Sanhedrin in this case) or secular society. We also learn there is not one best way to proclaim the gospel in the face of opposition.
In today’s reading, Paul and his companions headed to Jerusalem. Like Jesus when he headed to Jerusalem a week before his crucifixion, Paul was no doubt apprehensive about what would happen to him when he arrived. Jesus had said:
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing (Luke 13:34).
On his arrival, Paul did two things. Firstly, he met with other Christians in Jerusalem, who comforted and encouraged him. Secondly, on the advice of his friends, he went through a ritual purification ceremony as a sign of humility and a sign that he was living in obedience to the Jewish law.
We might consider these things when we find ourselves in situations where conflict seems likely. Don’t go it alone – listen to the advice of those you trust and lay your concerns and worries before God in prayer. Show humility and kindness to those around you, including those with whom you disagree. Always leave the door open for God to bring reconciliation. Even when we can’t see a way out, God can find a way.
God of peace, help me put aside my self-righteousness and pride in my own wisdom. Give me humility and gentleness. Bring healing and hope where I can only see despair and conflict. Everything is possible with you. Amen.
Neil Bergmann worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale, Queensland. He represents the Lutheran Church on the Queensland Churches Environmental Network (QCEN), a commission of Queensland Churches Together.
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