Acts 21:24
What does Acts 21:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:24 means
Paul is urged to purify himself with the men and pay their expenses so they may shave their heads—a common part of completing certain vows. This public act would show there is no truth to the allegations and that Paul himself walks orderly, keeping the law. The aim is clarity, not compromise. Paul can do this in good conscience because he teaches that salvation is by grace in the Lord Jesus, not by ceremonial works. Participating in a vow as a Jew does not contradict that gospel; it demonstrates love and respect to Jewish brethren and removes stumbling blocks where possible.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000these take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads: and all shall know that there is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning thee; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901these take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads: and all shall know that there is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning thee; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Go with these, and make yourself clean with them, and make the necessary payments for them, so that they may be free from their oath: and everyone will see that the statements made about you are not true, but that you put yourself under rule, and keep the law.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862these having taken, be purified with them, and be at expence with them, that they may shave the head, and all may know that the things of which they have been instructed concerning thee are nothing, but thou dost walk--thyself also--the law keeping.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Take these and sanctify thyself with them: and bestow on them, that they may shave their heads. And all will know that the things which they have heard of these are false: but that thou thyself also walkest keeping the law.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890take these and be purified with them, and pay their expenses, that they may have their heads shaved; and all will know that [of those things] of which they have been informed about thee nothing is [true]; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law.
Context
This detailed request completes the elders’ proposal begun in verse 23. It is immediately balanced in verse 25 by restating the Jerusalem decree for Gentiles, ensuring that the plan does not blur gospel boundaries. Verse 26 will show Paul accepting the counsel and entering the temple to announce the timeframe. Sadly, despite these efforts, verses 27–29 reveal that outside agitators will misinterpret events and spark violence, leading to Paul’s arrest.
v.23Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men that have a vow on them;
v.24This passage
v.25But as touching the Gentiles that have believed, we wrote, giving judgment that they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 18:18
And Paul, having tarried after this yet many days, took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila: having shorn his head in Cenchreæ; for he had a vow.
- 2 Chronicles 30:18
For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it is written. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, The good Jehovah pardon every one
- Judges 13:5
for, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come upon his head; for the child shall be a Nazirite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
- Job 1:5
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt-offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
- Exodus 19:10
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to-day and to-morrow, and let them wash their garments,
- Numbers 6:13
And this is the law of the Nazirite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tent of meeting:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 21
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 21.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…