Acts 21 · a question people ask
"Then Paul took the men, and the next day purified himself" (21:26). Why did Paul do it?
The chapter gives a reason only in the words of those who asked him: "Then all will know that there is no truth in the things that they have been informed about you, but that you yourself also walk keeping the law." (21:24). It gives Paul no words here. It says only what he did: he "took the men, and the next day purified himself and went with them into the temple" (21:26). It doesn't say what Paul thought of the plan or whether it was wise, and these notes don't say either.
The verses
“Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow. Take them and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, that they may shave their heads. Then all will know that there is no truth in the things that they have been informed about you, but that you yourself also walk keeping the law.”
“Then Paul took the men, and the next day purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.”