Does Acts 21:20–26 tell us that it is OK for a Christian Jew to continue to observe Jewish rituals?
Paul's letter to the Galatians tells us that Gentile Christians do not need to keep the Law of Moses and the Jewish rituals. Even that no one can be saved by keeping the Law of Moses, an impossible task. But doesn't Acts 21:20–26 tell us that it is OK for a Christian Jew to continue to observe Jewish rituals as a matter of Jewish customs.
You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. -- (Acts 21:20–26, ESV)
