Chapter 20—Paul a Prisoner On the following day Paul proceeded to comply with the counsel of the elders. There were among the believers in Jerusalem at that time four persons who were under the Nazarite vow, [Numbers 6.] the term of which had nearly expired. Certain sacrifices for purification were yet to be offered, which were so costly as to be impossible for a very poor man. It was considered by the Jews a pious act for a wealthy man to defray the necessary expenses and thus assist his poorer brethren to complete their vow. This, Paul had consented to do for the four Christian Nazarites. The apostle himself was poor, working with his own hands for his daily bread, yet he willingly incurred this expense, and accompanied the Nazarites to the temple to unite with them in the ceremonies of the seven days of purification. {LP 214.2}

Den næste dag ville Paulus ville Paulus samtykke med ældsterådet. Iblandt de troende i Jerusalem var der den gang fire personer som var under nasaræer-løftet, (4 Mos. 6) i en periode der var næsten udløbet. Visse renselsesofre blev endnu givet, som var så kostbare så det var umuligt for en meget fattig mand. Jøderne betragtede gudfrygtig handling for et velhavende menneske at afholde de nødvendige udgifter og derved hjælpe sine fattigere brødre til at opfylde deres løfte. Dette indvilgede Paulus i at gøre for de fire kristne nasaræere. Apostlen selv var fattig, og arbejdede med sine hænder for sit daglige brød, alligevel var han villig til at dække denne omkostning, og gå med nazaræerne til templet og forene sig med dem i de syv renselsesdages ceremonier.