Discussion Guide: Acts 21:15-26 – Zealous for Torah
- Rejoicing in God's Work The sermon describes the warm welcome Paul received in Jerusalem and how both he and the elders glorified God—Paul for the fruit among Gentiles (showing them as "living trophies"), and the elders for the tens of thousands of Jews who believed and remained zealous for the law.
- Where have you personally seen God at work recently, either among non-believers coming to faith (Gentile-like) or among those growing in devotion to Scripture?
- How can we cultivate more of that same joyful, glorifying response in our own lives and group when we hear good news about God's kingdom advancing?
- Understanding Zeal for the Torah Among Jewish Believers The Jerusalem elders highlight that thousands of Jewish believers are "zealous for the law," connecting this to Old Testament prophecies about Israel returning to God's instructions (e.g., Deuteronomy 30, Jeremiah 3, Zechariah 1, Malachi 3) as part of restoration and blessing. The sermon presents this as fulfilling what prophets, John the Baptist, and Jesus called for.
- Why do you think it's significant that these early Jewish Christians were both devoted to Jesus as Messiah and zealous for the Torah?
- How does this challenge or encourage our own view of the Old Testament law today—as Gentiles who follow Jesus?
- Dealing with False Accusations and Misunderstandings Rumors spread that Paul was teaching Jews in the diaspora to abandon Moses, circumcision, and Jewish customs—accusations the sermon calls slanderous and false. Paul never taught Jews to forsake the law, but he did instruct Gentiles to follow the guidelines from Acts 15 (no idolatry, sexual immorality, etc.).
- Have you ever experienced or observed misunderstandings about what Christians believe or practice (whether about the Bible, faith, or lifestyle)? How did it feel, and how was it handled?
- What can we learn from James, the elders, and Paul about responding to rumors or criticism with wisdom, clarity, and action rather than defensiveness?
- Paul's Response: Participating in the Nazarite Vow To counter the false reports, Paul agrees to purify himself, join four men in completing their Nazarite vow, and pay for their offerings—demonstrating publicly that he himself observes the law. The sermon stresses this was not hypocrisy but genuine devotion, with no contradiction seen between temple sacrifices and Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.
- What stands out to you about Paul's willingness to take this costly, public step (financially and culturally) to maintain unity and clear his name?
- In what ways might we today make visible, sacrificial choices to show our commitment to God's ways or to build bridges with others who misunderstand us?
- Personal Application: Zeal, Rejoicing, and Costly Gifts The sermon closes with four applications: rejoicing over God's work among Gentiles and Jews (including modern Messianic believers), being zealous for God's instructions (reading, obeying, gathering to study), and offering costly gifts to the Lord (time, money, energy) rather than what costs us nothing (quoting 2 Samuel 24:24).
- Which of these applications resonates most with you right now, and why?
- As a group, how can we encourage one another this week to be more "zealous for the Torah" (God's Word/instructions that apply to us) and to give to the Lord in a way that truly costs us something meaningful?
Feel free to read the passage aloud together at the start, pray for open hearts, and allow time for everyone to share.
