Why did the Apostles observe Animal sacrifices after Christ died? Sam Shamoun

Summary

In this video transcript, the speaker addresses a theological question about the Apostle Paul's actions in Acts 18:18, where Paul took a Nazarite vow, and Acts 21:26 and 24:17, where Paul participated in animal sacrifices. The speaker explains that while Paul and early Christians acknowledged Jesus' atoning sacrifice, they also observed Jewish laws and rituals to demonstrate their respect for the Mosaic Law. The sacrifices were symbolic, pointing to Christ, and did not contradict the New Covenant. The speaker emphasizes proper theological understanding, urging Christians to derive their beliefs from the New Testament rather than preconceived assumptions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Paul continued to observe Jewish customs, including the Nazarite vow, despite preaching the New Covenant through Christ's atoning sacrifice.
• 📖 Acts 18:18 mentions Paul's Nazarite vow, where he cut his hair and made animal sacrifices, which raises questions about his stance on Jesus' atonement.
• 🕊️ The argument revolves around how Paul, a preacher of salvation through Christ, still participated in temple sacrifices.
• 🤔 Acts 21:26 highlights Paul paying for sacrifices of others, under the guidance of James, showing adherence to Jewish laws despite the new faith.
• 📜 Paul also referenced in Acts 24:17 that he came to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices, supporting the continuation of these practices.
• 🧠 Paul's actions seem contradictory to the theology that Christ's sacrifice ended the need for animal sacrifices, but the speaker clarifies this issue.
• ✝️ The speaker explains that Paul and the Apostles observed the law to show respect for its origins while teaching that animal sacrifices no longer remove sin.
• 📚 Hebrews 10:4 explains that the blood of bulls and goats did not take away sin, but pointed towards Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
• 🙏 Paul's adherence to sacrifices was a way to honor the law and use it as a teaching tool to lead Jews to Christ, not because it conflicted with the New Covenant.
• 💡 The speaker concludes that modern Christians may misunderstand early Christian practices due to faulty interpretations and lack of theological clarity.

Q & A

What was the main issue raised by the Muslim critic in the discussion?

The Muslim critic questioned how Paul could preach about the atoning sacrifice of Jesus while still participating in Nazarite vows, which included animal sacrifices, as seen in Acts 18:18, 21:26, and 24:17.

What is the Nazarite vow, and how is it related to Paul's actions in Acts 18:18?

The Nazarite vow was a Jewish practice involving abstention from cutting hair and other actions, with a requirement to offer sacrifices at the end. In Acts 18:18, Paul had his hair cut off after completing such a vow, which some argue contradicts his teachings on the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

What does Acts 21:23-26 describe, and why is it relevant to the argument?

Acts 21:23-26 describes Paul being instructed by James to take part in the purification rites of four men who had taken Nazarite vows, including paying for their offerings. This passage is used to show that Paul participated in Jewish customs, including animal sacrifices, even after preaching about Jesus' sacrifice.

What offerings does Paul refer to in Acts 24:17, and why is this significant?

In Acts 24:17, Paul mentions bringing charitable gifts and offerings to the temple. The term 'offerings' likely refers to animal sacrifices, which raises questions about why Paul would participate in such rituals if he believed in the finality of Christ’s sacrifice.

How does Hebrews 10:4 explain the limitation of animal sacrifices?

Hebrews 10:4 states that the blood of bulls and goats cannot remove sin. The repetitive nature of Old Testament sacrifices highlighted their inability to fully atone for sin, unlike the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus.

Why does Paul continue to observe Jewish customs such as animal sacrifices after the death of Jesus?

Paul observed these customs to show fidelity to the Law of Moses and to demonstrate to other Jews that he respected their traditions. He did not believe these sacrifices removed sin but viewed them as a temporary covering that pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

How did Paul and the apostles reconcile their participation in animal sacrifices with the belief in Jesus’ atonement?

Paul and the apostles did not see their participation in animal sacrifices as contradictory to Jesus' atonement. They believed these rituals were symbolic, pointing to Christ, and continued them to show respect for Jewish law and as an opportunity to share the message of Jesus.

What was the speaker’s response to the argument that the New Covenant invalidates the need for animal sacrifices?

The speaker argued that the New Covenant, as established by Jesus, was understood and practiced by the apostles themselves, who continued to offer sacrifices. This suggests that the apostles did not see the New Covenant as invalidating Jewish practices, but rather as fulfilling them.

Why does the speaker believe Christians should not have a problem with Paul’s actions in the book of Acts?

The speaker believes Christians should not have a problem with Paul’s actions because the apostles themselves, who established Christian theology, did not see an issue with continuing Jewish practices. Therefore, any discomfort comes from a misunderstanding of their theology.

What advice does the speaker give to Christians who encounter such criticisms of their faith?

The speaker advises Christians to properly study and understand their faith, teaching it to others to avoid being caught off guard by critics. He encourages Christians to rely on the teachings of the apostles and the New Testament, rather than imposing external interpretations.