So the next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he entered the temple to give notice of the date when their purification would be complete and the offering would be made for each of them.
Some call Paul crafty, as if he played the hypocrite here, but that is wrong. What is fair to say is that he was too easily entreated, yielding to the brethren against his own judgment. Yet this deserves praise, not blame: he abased himself for the sake of rude and uninstructed people, deferring even to their foolish suspicions of him rather than rebuking them. His courtesy and patience are singular.
AI summary
They travelled light, carrying their own bags like poor soldiers, perhaps bearing the collection for Jerusalem's poor. When Paul resolved to go despite their warnings, they would not abandon him; like Thomas toward Christ and Ittai toward David, they cleaved to him in danger.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 21:15-26
Paul joined himself to these four men under their vow, not because he thought it obligatory or necessary to salvation, but to satisfy weak minds and win them. He condescended gladly in such matters; but when others pressed such things as duty or salvation itself, no one opposed more stiffly than he did.
AI summary