Some have described James as the leading elder in Jerusalem, but such titles are foreign to the New Testament. He had become a brother of note among ‘them which were of reputation … who seemed to be pillars’, Gal. 2. 2, 9. Paul’s words on this matter should also be noted in verse 6. Today we come to an unusual incident which could have had a lasting, detrimental effect upon Christian testimony. About another eight years had passed since Acts 15, and Paul had arrived in Jerusalem again. He had travelled a lot in the intervening years and many had been saved, both Jew and Gentile. Assemblies had also been planted. This visit was quite unique; Paul had been warned by Agabus of the danger in Jerusalem and of arrest, but his heart was unperturbed, he was prepared to die for the Name of the Lord Jesus, Acts 21. 13. However, danger was lurking.
Compromise. The danger came from an unexpected direction – from the elders at Jerusalem whom he had gone to meet, presumably in the house of James who was one of them, Acts 21. 18. Paul had told of what God had wrought among the Gentiles. Their response was to glorify God, but then they made the urgent request that he join with four men taking a formal Jewish vow in the temple. Their reason was that there were thousands of converted Jews still zealous of the law. They wanted him to show, that he, too, was keeping the law. Paul acceded to their request and prepared himself to take this vow. It involved an offering being made for him in the temple, thus setting aside the ‘one sacrifice’ he had taught, both orally and in writing. God in His sovereign way intervened through the tumult of people; the Temple doors were shut and Paul was delivered, not only from physical harm, but also from possible effects of his own actions on this occasion.
Consolation. The lasting tribute to the life and ministry of James, and his brother Jude, is in the epistles which they wrote. Both speak of the honour of our Lord Jesus Christ, and both bring comfort and encouragement to suffering saints. Neither speak of the home in Nazareth but, rather, of the glory which belongs alone to Him.
