and they said to him, “you see, brother, how many thousands there are among the jews of those who have believed. they are all zealous for the law, and they have been told about you that you teach all the jews who are among the gentiles to forsake moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. what then is to be done? they will certainly hear that you have come. do therefore what we tell you. we have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. but as for the gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” then paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. [acts 21:20b-26]
the humility of not needing to be right
paul became as one under the law (though not being [himself] under the law) that [he] might win those under the law. [1 cor 9:20b] paul had done nothing wrong, but in order to not unnecessarily offend jewish christians, he went beyond what was required so that the gospel could go further. he was able to do this because he had the humility of not needing to be right. if you’re like me, you want paul to take a stand and explain—no! Jesus fulfilled the law with his atoning death, and the lives we live we now live to Christ! but if we’re not careful, there’s a seed of pride, of needing to be right in that.
the ultimate example of not needing to be right was Christ before pilate—in the face of false accusations, he didn’t defend himself at all. whatever persecutions paul receives, he in part deserves them because of his murderous past. but Christ, who never once sinned, willingly endured abuse and death on the cross—in the same humility, of not needing to be right.
the next time you feel the twinge of pride trying to make you defensive in the flesh—try and remember that Christ endured death in submission to the Father instead of standing up for himself. how do you think thankfulness for Christ’s humility would shape that moment?
Lord, grow our awe of you and your humility that led you to the cross, and teach us humility and patience with those around us. thank you for your patience with us in our pride!
~ stephen hall