Mere Fidelity On Paul and The Law
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Apr 30, 2026 Brad East, scholar in Pauline studies who argues Paul stayed Torah-observant, briefs the debate. He defends reading Acts 21 literally and appeals to Messianic Judaism and Paul Within Judaism. Conversation covers Acts 21, Galatians 2, 1 Corinthians 9, adiaphora versus divine command, and whether Jewish identity can persist inside the church.
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Acts 21 As Evidence For Paul's Observance
- Acts 21 is central: James instructs Paul to perform a public vow to show he 'walks in observance of the law,' and Paul complies rather than protesting.
- Brad uses this episode to challenge readings that separate Paul's letters from Acts' portrait of him.
Adiaphora Means Authoritative Custom, Not Pure Freedom
- Alastair frames 'adiaphora' in Hookerian terms: practices can be non-conscience-binding yet required by authorities and custom.
- He suggests Paul submits to existing local authorities and customs without granting them full divine 'thus says the Lord' force.
1 Corinthians 9 Shows Contextual Submission To Law
- 1 Corinthians 9 is pivotal: Paul becomes 'as one under the law' to win those under the law, yet also claims 'not being myself under the law.'
- Alastair reads this as tactical submission to local authorities and contexts, not wholesale theological nullification.
