Paul reached his goal.  He intentionally went to Jerusalem, even knowing that bad things were going to happen to him there…he went anyway.  He was in God’s will and timing.  After his arrival he met with the leaders of the Jerusalem church, including James.  He related “one by one the things God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.”

God was given the glory when this group of believers heard Paul. (Acts 21:19-20 NASB)

There was a potential problem and it was brought up at that meeting:
(NASB) Acts 21:20-22 “…‘You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law;
21 and they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs.
22 ‘What, then, is to be done?  They will certainly hear that you have come.”

The solution to the problem was given…they had thought it out.
(NASB) Acts 21:23-24 “Therefore do this that we tell you.  We have four men who are under a vow;
24 take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law.”

The Gentiles had been asked to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols and blood and animals that had been killed by strangling and from sexual immorality.  This would be acceptable to the Jewish believers regarding the believing Gentiles. (Acts 21:25)

What did Paul do?
(NASB) Acts 21:26 “Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purifying himself along with them, went into the temple giving notice of the completion of the days of purification, until the sacrifice was offered for each one of them.”

Paul put into practice what he had taught in the letter to the Roman believers.
(NASB) Romans 12:18 “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”

Do you do that on a daily basis?  If at all possible – do all that depends on you – live at peace with others.  Love for the living God and love for others will mean living sacrificially.

An important part of reading God’s word is to know it is about your obedience to it.

As you read the following, insert your name in the verse:

“If possible, so far as it depends on” (your name), “to live at peace will all men.”