Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles — Homily 46

St. John Chrysostom

1. 0. Greeting

Acts XXI. 18, 19

And the day following Paul went in with us unto James: and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

This was the Bishop of Jerusalem; and to him ( Paul ) is sent on an earlier occasion. This (James) was brother of the Lord; a great and admirable man. (To him, it says,) Paul entered in with us. Mark the (Bishop's) unassuming behavior: and the elders (were present). Again Paul relates to them the things relating to the Gentiles, not indulging in vainglory, God forbid, but wishing to show forth the mercy of God, and to fill them with great joy. Acts 15 See accordingly: when they heard it, it says, they glorified God, — not praised nor admired Paul: for in such wise had he narrated, as referring all to Him — and said to him, You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believed. Observe with what modest deference they too speak: they said to him: not (James) as Bishop discourses authoritatively, but they take Paul as partner with them in their view; You see, brother: as though immediately and at the outset apologizing for themselves, and saying, We did not wish this. Do you see the necessity of the thing? 'how many thousands,' say they, 'of Jews there are which' have come together. And they say not, how many thousands we have made catechumens, but, there are. And these, say they, are all zealous for the law. [[Acts 21.20]] Two reasons — the number of them, and their views. For neither had they been few, would it have been right to despise them: nor, if they were many and did not all cling to the law, would there have been need to make much account of them. Then also a third cause is given: And they all, it says, have been informed of you — they say not, have heard, but κατηχήθησαν, that is, so they have believed, and have been taught, that you teach apostasy from Moses to all the Jews which are among the Gentiles, by telling them not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. [[Acts 21.21]] What is it therefore? The multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that you have come. Do therefore this that we say to you (v. 22, 23): they say these things as advising, not as commanding. We have four men which have a vow on them; them take, and purify yourself with them, and be at charges with them. Make your defense in act, not in word — that they may shave themselves, it says, and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning you, are nothing; but that you yourself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law (v. 23, 24): they say not, teachest, but, of superabundance, that you yourself also keepest the law. For of course not this was the matter of chief interest, whether he did not teach others, but, that he did himself observe the law. What then (he might say), if the Gentiles should learn it? I shall injure them. How so? Say they, seeing that even we, the teac