Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 21:21. It’s a really important passage about Paul and his ministry in Rome. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Paul is traveling through a city and is speaking to the Jewish people who are living among Gentiles – meaning they’re not Jewish anymore. He’s telling them that he’s teaching them a new way of believing, one that doesn’t rely on the old laws of circumcision. He’s essentially saying, “This new belief is about letting go of certain traditions and customs.” What Paul Says Specifically: “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.” Let’s unpack that: "They are informed of thee..." – This means Paul is sharing this information with the people he’s speaking to. "...that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses..." – He's telling them that he (Paul) is teaching a different way of believing, and specifically, he's telling them to stop believing in Moses as a special figure or law. He’s saying they should reject the idea that Moses was incredibly important and that his laws are still relevant. "...saying that they ought not to circumcise [their] children..." – This is the core of the message. He's telling them not to circumcise their children. Circumcision was a ritual practiced on Jewish boys as a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham. Paul is saying, “Don’t do this! Don’t practice this tradition.” "...neither to walk after the customs." – This means they shouldn't follow the traditions and practices that were in place under Moses, especially the laws about how to behave and what to think. What it Means Overall: Paul is essentially challenging a fundamental belief system within the Jewish community. He’s advocating for a way of living that doesn’t rely on ancient religious laws and tradition. He's trying to introduce a new understanding of faith, emphasizing personal relationship with God rather than solely following rules set by Moses. Why it’s Important: This verse is significant because it sets the stage for Paul’s later arguments about his own identity as a true Jew and his goal of establishing a new church based on love and righteousness, not just obedience to laws. It's a crucial moment in understanding how Paul transitioned from being a Jewish missionary to a leader of believers. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an analogy? Discuss the context of this passage (when did it happen, what was happening at the time)? Talk about the significance of Paul's actions in Rome?