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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 21:21 But they are under the impression that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe our customs.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/21-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/44_Act_21_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 21:21 - Paul's Arrival at Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But they are under the impression that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe our customs." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/21-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/21-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/21-20.htm" title="Acts 21:20">◄</a> Acts 21:21 <a href="/acts/21-22.htm" title="Acts 21:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/21.htm">New International Version</a> They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. <a href="/nlt/acts/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> But the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They’ve heard that you teach them not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs. <a href="/esv/acts/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/acts/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But they are under the impression that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe our customs. <a href="/blb/acts/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now they have been informed about you, that you teach all Jews among the Gentiles apostasy from Moses, telling them not to circumcise the children nor to walk in the customs. <a href="/kjv/acts/21.htm">King James Bible</a> And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. <a href="/nkjv/acts/21.htm">New King James Version</a> but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. <a href="/nasb_/acts/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. <a href="/nasb/acts/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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. <a href="/nasb77/acts/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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. <a href="/lsb/acts/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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. <a href="/amp/acts/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are living among the Gentiles to turn away from [the Law of] Moses, advising them not to circumcise their children or to live according to the [Mosaic] customs. <a href="/csb/acts/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But they have been informed about you—that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or to live according to our customs. <a href="/hcsb/acts/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, by telling them not to circumcise their children or to walk in our customs. <a href="/asv/acts/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> and they have been informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs. <a href="/cev/acts/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But they have been told that you are teaching those who live among the Gentiles to disobey this Law. They claim that you are telling them not to circumcise their sons or to follow our customs. <a href="/erv/acts/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> and they have been informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. <a href="/gwt/acts/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But they have been told that you teach all the Jews living among non-Jewish people to abandon Moses. They claim that you tell them not to circumcise their children or follow Jewish customs. <a href="/gnt/acts/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> They have been told that you have been teaching all the Jews who live in Gentile countries to abandon the Law of Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or follow the Jewish customs. <a href="/isv/acts/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> But they have been told about you—that you teach all the Jews living among the gentiles to forsake the Law of Moses, and that you tell them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs. <a href="/msb/acts/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But they are under the impression that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe our customs. <a href="/net/acts/21.htm">NET Bible</a> They have been informed about you--that you teach all the Jews now living among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. <a href="/nheb/acts/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the non-Jews to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs. <a href="/wbt/acts/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they are informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying, That they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. <a href="/wey/acts/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now what they have been repeatedly told about you is that you teach all the Jews among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, and that you forbid them to circumcise their children or observe old-established customs. <a href="/web/acts/21.htm">World English Bible</a> They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children and not to walk after the customs. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and they are instructed concerning you, that you teach departure from Moses to all Jews among the nations, saying not to circumcise the children, nor to walk after the customs; <a href="/blb/acts/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now they have been informed about you, that you teach all Jews among the Gentiles apostasy from Moses, telling them not to circumcise the children nor to walk in the customs. <a href="/ylt/acts/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and they are instructed concerning thee, that apostasy from Moses thou dost teach to all Jews among the nations, saying -- Not to circumcise the children, nor after the customs to walk; <a href="/slt/acts/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they were taught about thee, that thou teachest apostasy from Moses, all the Jews among the nations, saying, they are not to circumcise children, nor walk in the customs.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now they have heard of thee that thou teachest those Jews, who are among the Gentiles, to depart from Moses: saying, that they ought not to circumcise their children, nor walk according to the custom. <a href="/cpdv/acts/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now they have heard about you, that you are teaching those Jews who are among the Gentiles to withdraw from Moses, telling them that they should not circumcise their sons, nor act according to custom. <a href="/nabre/acts/21.htm">New American Bible</a> They have been informed that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to abandon Moses and that you are telling them not to circumcise their children or to observe their customary practices. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> They have been told about you that you teach all the Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, and that you tell them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But they have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake the law of Moses, stating that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to follow after the customs of the law. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “But it has been told them that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to separate from Moses while you say that they should not circumcise their sons and that they should not walk by the custom of The Law.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And they have heard it reported of you, that you teach all the Jews that are among the Gentiles to apostatize from Moses; commanding them not to circumcise their children, nor to walk according to the customs. <a href="/godbey/acts/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and they have been informed concerning thee, that thou art teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles apostasy from Moses, saying that they are not to circumcise their children, nor to walk according to the customs. <a href="/haweis/acts/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And they have been informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews, who are among the Gentiles, apostacy from Moses, saying, That they should not circumcise the children, nor walk after the usual practices. <a href="/mace/acts/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a> now they have heard that you instruct the Jews that are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, by telling them they must not circumcise their children, nor observe the establish'd rites. <a href="/wey/acts/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now what they have been repeatedly told about you is that you teach all the Jews among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, and that you forbid them to circumcise their children or observe old-established customs. <a href="/worrell/acts/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And they were informed by report concerning you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children, nor to walk after the customs. <a href="/worsley/acts/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And they have heard of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews, who are among the Gentiles, to forsake the law of Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children, nor to walk after our customs. <a href="/parallel/acts/21-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=7116" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/21.htm">Paul's Arrival at Jerusalem</a> …20When they heard this, they glorified God. Then they said to Paul, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/2727.htm" title="2727: katēchēthēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- To instruct orally, teach, inform. From kata and echos; to sound down into the ears, i.e. to indoctrinate or to apprise of.">they are under the impression</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time."></a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1321.htm" title="1321: didaskeis (V-PIA-2S) -- To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.">teach</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantas (Adj-AMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaious (Adj-AMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">the Jews</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who live</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">among</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1484.htm" title="1484: ethnē (N-ANP) -- Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.">Gentiles</a> <a href="/greek/646.htm" title="646: apostasian (N-AFS) -- Defection, apostasy, revolt. Feminine of the same as apostasion; defection from truth.">to forsake</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses."></a> <a href="/greek/3475.htm" title="3475: Mōuseōs (N-GMS) -- Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.">Moses,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">telling</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/4059.htm" title="4059: peritemnein (V-PNA) -- To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise.">to circumcise</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">their</a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: tekna (N-ANP) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">children</a> <a href="/greek/3366.htm" title="3366: mēde (Conj) -- And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4043.htm" title="4043: peripatein (V-PNA) -- From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.">observe</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1485.htm" title="1485: ethesin (N-DNP) -- A custom, habit; an institute, rite. From etho; a usage.">our customs.</a> 22What then should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2-4</a> Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. / Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. / You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Galatians 6:12-15</a> Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ. / For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. / But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. ... <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28-29</a> A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God. <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20-31</a> Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. / But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. / And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, ... <a href="/romans/4-9.htm">Romans 4:9-12</a> Is this blessing only on the circumcised, or also on the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. / In what context was it credited? Was it after his circumcision, or before? It was not after, but before. / And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18-19</a> Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. / Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts. <a href="/galatians/2-3.htm">Galatians 2:3-5</a> Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. / This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. / We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Galatians 2:11-14</a> When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. / For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group. / The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. ... <a href="/galatians/3-1.htm">Galatians 3:1-14</a> O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. / I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? / Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh? ... <a href="/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2-3</a> Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh! / For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— <a href="/colossians/2-11.htm">Colossians 2:11-14</a> In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. / And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead. / When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, ... <a href="/genesis/17-9.htm">Genesis 17:9-14</a> God also said to Abraham, “You must keep My covenant—you and your descendants in the generations after you. / This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. ... <a href="/leviticus/12-3.htm">Leviticus 12:3</a> And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised. <a href="/deuteronomy/10-16.htm">Deuteronomy 10:16</a> Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more. <a href="/deuteronomy/30-6.htm">Deuteronomy 30:6</a> The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they are informed of you, that you teach all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.that thou.<a href="/acts/6-13.htm">Acts 6:13,14</a> And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: … <a href="/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3</a> Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.<a href="/acts/28-17.htm">Acts 28:17</a> And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/2-27.htm">Abandon</a> <a href="/acts/21-5.htm">Children</a> <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Circumcise</a> <a href="/acts/16-3.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/acts/16-21.htm">Customs</a> <a href="/acts/11-17.htm">Forbid</a> <a href="/acts/6-2.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/acts/21-19.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/acts/7-13.htm">Informed</a> <a href="/acts/21-20.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/15-21.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/acts/21-19.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">News</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/acts/21-4.htm">Repeatedly</a> <a href="/acts/16-21.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/acts/20-20.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/john/9-34.htm">Teachest</a> <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/21-4.htm">Telling</a> <a href="/acts/15-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/acts/14-16.htm">Walk</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">Abandon</a> <a href="/romans/2-20.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/17-11.htm">Circumcise</a> <a href="/romans/2-25.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/acts/26-3.htm">Customs</a> <a href="/acts/24-23.htm">Forbid</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/acts/21-24.htm">Informed</a> <a href="/acts/21-27.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/26-22.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/acts/22-21.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/acts/21-22.htm">News</a> <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/acts/21-22.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-12.htm">Repeatedly</a> <a href="/romans/2-26.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/romans/2-21.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/romans/2-21.htm">Teachest</a> <a href="/acts/28-31.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Telling</a> <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/acts/21-24.htm">Walk</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 21</div>1. <a href="/acts/21-1.htm">Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.</a> 10. <a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem, </a> 13. <a href="/acts/21-13.htm">he will not be dissuaded from going thither.</a> 17. <a href="/acts/21-17.htm">He comes to Jerusalem;</a> 27. <a href="/acts/21-27.htm">where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued;</a> 37. <a href="/acts/21-37.htm">and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But they are under the impression that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles This phrase highlights the tension between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians in the early church. Paul, a Jew himself, was often misunderstood by Jewish believers who thought he was advocating for the abandonment of Jewish law. The phrase "Jews who live among the Gentiles" refers to the Jewish diaspora, Jews living outside of Israel, who were often more integrated into Gentile culture. This misunderstanding reflects the broader conflict in the early church about the role of the Mosaic Law for Jewish and Gentile believers, as seen in <a href="/acts/15.htm">Acts 15</a> and the Jerusalem Council.to forsake Moses "Moses" here symbolizes the Mosaic Law, which was central to Jewish identity and religious practice. The accusation that Paul was teaching Jews to forsake Moses was serious, as it implied abandoning the covenantal relationship with God established through the Law. This reflects the struggle within the early church to define the relationship between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. Paul himself, in his letters, clarifies that he does not oppose the Law but sees it fulfilled in Christ (<a href="/romans/10-4.htm">Romans 10:4</a>).telling them not to circumcise their children Circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic covenant (<a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a>) and a critical aspect of Jewish identity. The claim that Paul was teaching against circumcision was a significant charge, as it suggested a break from the covenant with Abraham. In <a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2-6</a>, Paul argues that circumcision is not necessary for salvation, emphasizing faith in Christ over adherence to the Law. This reflects the theological shift from physical signs of the covenant to spiritual faith in Christ.or observe our customs "Customs" refers to the various Jewish traditions and laws that governed daily life, including dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and festival celebrations. The early church grappled with whether Gentile converts needed to adopt these customs, as seen in <a href="/acts/15.htm">Acts 15</a>. Paul's teaching emphasized that salvation through Christ was not dependent on these customs, aligning with the decision of the Jerusalem Council that Gentiles were not bound by the entirety of the Mosaic Law. This phrase underscores the cultural and religious challenges faced by the early church in integrating diverse believers into one body.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who is central to this passage, accused of teaching Jews to abandon Mosaic Law. 2. <a href="/topical/j/james_and_the_jerusalem_elders.htm">James and the Jerusalem Elders</a> Leaders of the Jerusalem church who are addressing concerns about Paul's teachings. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jews_among_the_gentiles.htm">Jews among the Gentiles</a> Jewish believers living in Gentile regions, who are the subject of the accusations against Paul. 4. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> Represents the Mosaic Law, which includes circumcision and other Jewish customs. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where this meeting takes place, a central hub for early Christianity and Jewish tradition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_context.htm">Understanding Context</a> Recognize the cultural and religious tensions in the early church between Jewish traditions and the new covenant in Christ. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_tradition_and_faith.htm">Balancing Tradition and Faith</a> While traditions can be valuable, they should not overshadow the core message of the Gospel, which is salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. <a href="/topical/a/addressing_misunderstandings.htm">Addressing Misunderstandings</a> Misunderstandings about faith practices can arise; it is crucial to address them with clarity and love, as seen in the dialogue between Paul and the Jerusalem elders. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The early church faced challenges in maintaining unity amidst diverse practices. Today, we are called to embrace diversity within the body of Christ while upholding the truth of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/l/living_out_faith.htm">Living Out Faith</a> Our faith should be evident in our actions and attitudes, reflecting the love and grace of Christ to those around us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 21</a> <a href="/q/what_did_paul_do_between_journeys_3_and_4.htm">What did Paul do between his third and fourth journeys?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_building_a_spiritual_house.htm">What led to Paul's imprisonment?</a> <a href="/q/why_emphasize_'lifting_up'_in_john_12_32-33.htm">Why does John 12:32-33 emphasize 'lifting up' as a means of drawing people, considering the historical context of crucifixion practices and Jewish expectations of a Messiah?</a> <a href="/q/acts_18_18_-_evidence_for_paul's_vow_ritual.htm">Acts 18:18 - Is there any archaeological or historical support for Paul's vow and hair-shaving practice, suggesting a Jewish or pagan ritual influence?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) And they are informed of thee . . .--This, it is clear, was the current version of St. Paul's teaching. How far was it a true representation of its tendencies? As a personal accusation it was, of course, easy to refute it. His rule of adaptation led him to be to the Jews as a Jew (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm" title="And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;">1Corinthians 9:20</a>). He taught that every man, circumcised or uncircumcised, should accept his position with its attendant obligations (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/7-18.htm" title="Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.">1Corinthians 7:18-20</a>). He had himself taken the Nazarite vow (<a href="/acts/18-18.htm" title="And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brothers, and sailed there into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.">Acts 18:18</a>), and had circumcised Timotheus (<a href="/acts/16-3.htm" title="Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.">Acts 16:3</a>). It was probably false that he had ever taught that Jews "ought not to circumcise their children." But fanaticism is sometimes clear-sighted in its bitterness, and the Judaisers felt that when it was proclaimed that "circumcision was nothing," in its bearing on man's relations to God (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm" title="Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.">1Corinthians 7:19</a>; <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm" title="For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.">Galatians 5:6</a>; <a href="/galatians/6-15.htm" title="For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.">Galatians 6:15</a>), it ceased to have a raison d'etre, and sank to the level of a mere badge of the national exclusiveness, which, in its turn, was assailed by St. Paul's teaching that all middle walls of partition were broken down (<a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm" title="For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us;">Ephesians 2:14</a>), and that Jews and Gentiles were alike one in Christ. If a Jew had asked, Why then should I circumcise my child? it would not have been easy to return a satisfying answer. If it were said, "To avoid giving offence," that was clearly only temporary and local in its application, and the practice would die out as people ceased to be offended. If it were urged that it was a divine command, there was the reply that, as a command, it had been virtually though not formally repealed when the promises and privileges connected with it were withdrawn. It was the seal of a covenant (<a href="/romans/4-11.htm" title="And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed to them also:">Romans 4:11</a>), and could hardly be looked upon as binding when the covenant itself had been superseded. Few Christians would now hold that a converted Jew was still bound to circumcise, as well as baptise, his children. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews did but push St. Paul's teaching to its legitimate conclusions when he said that the "new covenant had made the first old," and that "that which is decaying and waxing old is ready to vanish away" (<a href="/hebrews/8-13.htm" title="In that he said, A new covenant, he has made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.">Hebrews 8:13</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Have been for are, A.V.; concerning for of, A.V.; telling them not for saying that they ought not, A.V. Have been informed (κατηχήθησαν); see <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Acts 18:25</a>; <a href="/luke/1-4.htm">Luke 1:4</a>; <a href="/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18</a>, etc. The verb properly means to instruct by word of mouth, whence our "catechism." The customs (τοῖς ἔθεσι); see <a href="/acts/6-14.htm">Acts 6:14</a>, both for the phrase and the sentiment, and <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1</a>, note; Acts 26:3; 28:17. Ἔθος is a favorite word of St. Luke's, occurring ten times in his Gospel and in the Acts, and only twice in the New Testament elsewhere (<a href="/john/19-40.htm">John 19:40</a>; <a href="/hebrews/10-25.htm">Hebrews 10:25</a>; see Hobart, on <a href="/luke/2-27.htm">Luke 2:27</a>). <a href="/commentaries/acts/21-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. they are under the impression κατηχήθησαν (katēchēthēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2727.htm">Strong's 2727: </a> To instruct orally, teach, inform. From kata and echos; to sound down into the ears, i.e. to indoctrinate or to apprise of. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. you σοῦ (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. teach διδάσκεις (didaskeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1321.htm">Strong's 1321: </a> To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach. all πάντας (pantas) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. [the] Jews Ἰουδαίους (Ioudaious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. who [live] τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. among κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Gentiles ἔθνη (ethnē) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1484.htm">Strong's 1484: </a> Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one. to forsake ἀποστασίαν (apostasian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_646.htm">Strong's 646: </a> Defection, apostasy, revolt. Feminine of the same as apostasion; defection from truth. Moses, Μωϋσέως (Mōuseōs) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3475.htm">Strong's 3475: </a> Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver. telling λέγων (legōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. them αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. to circumcise περιτέμνειν (peritemnein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4059.htm">Strong's 4059: </a> To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise. [their] τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. children τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. [or] μηδὲ (mēde) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3366.htm">Strong's 3366: </a> And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor. observe περιπατεῖν (peripatein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow. [our] customs. ἔθεσιν (ethesin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1485.htm">Strong's 1485: </a> A custom, habit; an institute, rite. From etho; a usage. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/21-21.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 21:21 They have been informed about you that (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/21-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 21:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 21:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/21-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 21:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 21:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>