17 When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters welcomed us warmly. 18 On the next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James. All of the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he gave them a detailed report of what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 Those who heard this praised God. Then they said to him, “Brother, you see how many thousands of Jews have become believers, and all of them keep the Law passionately. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to reject Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to live according to our customs. 22 What about this? Without a doubt, they will hear that you have arrived. 23 You must therefore do what we tell you. Four men among us have made a solemn promise.24 Take them with you, go through the purification ritual with them, and pay the cost of having their heads shaved. Everyone will know there is nothing to those reports about you but that you too live a life in keeping with the Law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we wrote a letter about what we decided, that they avoid food offered to idols, blood, the meat from strangled animals, and sexual immorality.”26 The following day Paul took the men with him and went through the purification ritual with them. He entered the temple and publicly announced the completion of the days of purification, when the offering would be presented for each one of them. (Acts 21:17-26, CEB)
What does it mean to be purified?
Is there a ritual for purification?
To purify silver the silversmith holds the silver in the hot fire burning off the impurities until they can see their reflection. So until we reflect God so that others see God and not us we are not purified.
So how do we get purified? Shave our heads and offer sacrifices and follow the Law to the letter?
The law can not make us pure, only God can, so we follow God and do what God has commended, love God and love others, and in this we will be purified.
Do not put you own desires or needs above that of another. Love God, love neighbor.
Love People, Love God!
aSacredRebel 