19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what Godhad done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then theysaid to Paul: "You see, brother, how many thousandsof Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous forthe law. - P80
25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to themour decision that they should abstain from food sacri-ficed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangledanimals and from sexual immorality."
26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himselfalong with them. Then he went to the temple to givenotice of the date when the days of purification wouldend and the offering would be made for each of them. - P81
Paul is received warmly by the believers in Jerusalem. Paul reports everythingGod did through his ministry among the Gentiles. The elders hear this andpraise God. - P81
They tell him many Jews have also believed but they are círcu-lating a false report about Paul‘s teaching. They suggest that Paul performpurification rites to prove these rumors wrong. Paul does this. - P81
Paul goes to Jerusalem, ready to suffer and die for the sake of Christ. - P82
Hetakes care, however, not to put unnecessary stumbling blocks in thewayof his Jewish brethren. - P82
The freedom he has in the gospel means that heis no longer obligated to keep Jewish rites of purification. But he usesthat same freedom to keep the purity laws, not for the laws‘ own sake,
but for the sake of those who do not yet believe the gospel. - P82
We knowthat the world is hostile to the message of the gospel and that those whoproclaim it must expect persecution. - P82
However, that does not mean wecan disregard the effect of our conduct and choices on those around us,
on the basis that the gospel sets us free. - P82
Let us rather consider how touse our freedom in a manner that will draw others nearer to the goodnews of Christ. - P82
Dear Jesus, thank you for building up the church. We are Your body. - P83
Help us torecognize good advice when it is given to us by those who also belong to Yourbody. In Your name, amen. - P83
In the fifteenth century, Portugal had an empire that expanded to Brazil, Asia, and Africa onaccount of its maritime power. - P82
The country‘s power and wealth have diminished over theyears, and in the early twentieth century, it struggled with several decades of corrupt leader-ship. A democratic government was formed in 1974, and Portugal started to enjoy religiousfreedom. - P82
Most Portuguese today consider themselves Catholic, but it is more a part of theirculture than a true faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. - P82
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