John Calvin Commentary Acts 21:26

"Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them went into the temple, declaring the fulfilment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them." — Acts 21:26 (ASV)

While some accuse Paul of cunning, as if he were playing the hypocrite, I have refuted this before.

Yet I do not deny that he agreed to do this much at the request of the brethren, being, in a way, compelled to do so. Therefore, it has more plausibility and is, as they say, more debatable that he was too easily persuaded and too ready to comply.

And yet, I do not accept what some people say: that things did not go well for Paul because, by taking on a new and unaccustomed role, he did not maintain the liberty purchased by Christ as consistently as he usually did.

I confess, indeed, that God often punishes foolish purposes with unfortunate outcomes; but I do not see why this should be applied to Paul. He, through voluntary subjection, sought to win the favor of the unrefined and those who were not thoroughly instructed, so that he might do them good.

He was prepared to do this, not willingly, but because he would rather yield to the brethren than insist on his own judgment. Furthermore, once he was accepted, he could then have suitably proceeded to moderate that zeal.

His courtesy, rather, deserves great praise, in that he not only gently humbles himself for the sake of the uninstructed people, but also submits to the foolishness of those who unworthily and unreasonably suspected him.

He could well have reproved them for being so quick to believe reports contrary to his reputation. In that he refrains, he shows great patience; in that he wins their favor so carefully, it is exceptional modesty.

Moreover, he could have been more direct and firm with James and his colleagues, because they had not been more diligent in rooting out errors from among the people. For although it is certain that they taught faithfully, yet it may be that the sight of the temple, and the very seat of the law, hindered them in defending the practice of liberty.

But Paul, whether he relinquished his right of his own accord, or whether he thought that they saw better what was expedient than he did, follows their counsel.

And as for the false Nicodemites who, following this example of Paul, attempt to disguise their treacherous dissimulation while they pollute themselves with all the filthiness of Popery, their case needs no long refutation.

They boast that they do this to win the weak brethren (or that they indulge them to this extent), as if Paul yielded to them in all things without discrimination.

If they, being Jews, were to undertake, according to the prescription of the law, to fulfill among the Jews a vow not infected with idolatry, then they might prove themselves to be like Paul.

Now, since they envelop themselves in gross and utterly wicked superstitions, and that because they wish to escape the cross, what basis is there for the likeness they imagine?