And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: Acts 21:17-20

Paul finally reached Jerusalem and the Christians received him with open arms. Its interesting to note that the Apostle James oversaw the Church in Jerusalem. So when Paul came to Jerusalem , of course he came to speak to James and the other Christians. Paul shared with James how the Gentiles have been grafted into the family of God through Jesus Christ

Of course the orthodox Jews were not happy with the new Gentile believers, because they wanted them under The Law instead of under Grace. If you remember the Council of Jerusalem , back in Acts 15, the Apostles already established that Gentiles did not have to live under the Torah. But again we are going to see this debate again, as we still see this  debate today

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. Acts 21:21-24

The orthodox Jews were accusing Paul of teaching the Gentiles to forsake the teachings of Moses. These Jews didn’t understand that Moses taught about the coming of Jesus, and they God would raise up someone greater than Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15) The Jews were trying to keep the Gentiles bound to The Law, the same yoke that they were unable to bear themselves

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.  Acts 21:25-26

Paul taught that the Gentiles are not under The Torah, the Christian Gentiles are to just avoid sexual immorality and not eat any sacrifices to idols. Why? Because Christians live under Grace and are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Law of God is written in our hearts not of stone anymore

Many still today don’t understand that Jesus paid it all, that Jesus fulfilled The Law (Matthew 5:17) so that we can be set free from the penalty of the Law , which is death Amen!