Navigating Faith: A Question of Inclusion or Exclusion?
In this article, you will learn how Acts 21:28 contradicts Acts 10:28, Galatians 3:28, Romans 10:12, Ephesians 2:14 and John 4:9. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The New Testament presents a fascinating tapestry of narratives and teachings, some of which raise questions about inclusivity within early Christian communities. A particularly intriguing case is found in Acts 21:28. Here, we find Paul being accused by certain individuals of two things: altering God's rules to suit his audience and defiling the temple by allegedly bringing non-Jews into a sacred space reserved for Jews.
This accusation draws attention to contrasting messages elsewhere in the scriptures. For instance, Acts 10:28 recounts Peter's acceptance of Gentiles, signaling a progressive shift towards embracing non-Jewish believers in the faith. Similarly, Galatians 3:28 speaks to the unity of all people in Christ, setting aside distinctions such as Jew or Greek.
In Romans 10:12, there's an explicit statement that no distinction exists between Jew and Greek, reinforcing the notion of universal acceptance in faith. Ephesians 2:14 further extends this idea by highlighting how Christ has broken down the dividing wall, both figuratively and literally, between Jews and Gentiles. If we think of these messages like a bridge, they connect once-separated lands, allowing for a free exchange.
Interestingly, in John 4:9, a cultural tension is evident, where a Samaritan woman expresses surprise at Jesus' request for water due to the prevailing tensions between Jews and Samaritans. This cultural moment underlines the broader societal divisions that religious teachings sought to overcome.
By examining these scriptures, we see a complex interplay between cultural norms and religious innovation. Followers of the early church faced the challenge of navigating these teachings, deciding whether to focus on inclusion or to maintain traditional boundaries. Does faith build bridges or walls? This serves as a thought-provoking question, inviting reflection on how communities today handle diversity and integration.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Acts 21:28 | Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all [men] every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. |
| 2. | Acts 10:28 | And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. |
| 3. | Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. |
| 4. | Romans 10:12 | For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. |
| 5. | Ephesians 2:14 | For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; |
| 6. | John 4:9 | Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. |