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NASB | 1 John 2:3 ¶ By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 2:3 ¶ And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings). |
Subject: abide |
Bible Note: Good Morning Grafted In! I would differ with your characterization just a little in that while actions certainly are import, in terms of theology, Paul's words are much more important. :-) We have very clear didactic material concerning the Law from Paul's pen, these passages should take precedence over everything else. Having said that, I will try to touch upon your questions. 1) Acts 18:18 tells us that Paul had taken a vow. Some assume that a Nazarite vow was in view, and that after the time of the vow was over, Paul cut his hair. However, this is an assumption. The verse actually says that he cut his 'for he had taken a vow'. So, it is not clear that a Nazarite vow was in view at all. All we can say for sure is that Paul had made a vow. This really has no relevancy to the question at hand. 2) Acts 15:20-21 simply encourages Gentile believers not to do things that would be extremely offensive to Jewish believers. The justification for the request is given in v. 21, that Moses had been preached in the synagogue of every city. By no means, is that saying that Gentiles (or anyone) was obligated to keep the Law. It would be like a Christian woman wearing a head covering in a muslim country in order not to offend the native citizins. 3) Acts 21:20-24: Now, this passage is much more applicable to the question at hand. There are two main points that I would raise in regard to this passage. First, Paul again was simply trying to not deliberately provide offense. Would we call him a hypocrite for doing that? I wouldn't. :-) Second, the passage (a narrative) certainly does state that there were a large number of Jewish converts who were 'zealous for the Law'. However, this is a narrative, not a didactic teaching. Were they right for being zealous for the Law? This passage doesn't address that question, but Galatians does. Interestingly, Paul's attempt to lessen his offense to the Jews did not work. He was beaten and arrested. :-) Well, I need to get some work done! Thanks for the interaction my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |