Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Acts 21:23

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

He shows that it was not necessary to do this upon principle - whence also they obtain his compliance - but that it was economy and condescension. This vow appears to have been the Nazarite vow described in Numbers 6:1-21, taken by the apostle as an accommodation to Jewish prejudices and to allay the suspicions of the legal party in Jerusalem. This was done upon the recommendation of James, the "Bishop" of the church, and his associates. …

Homily on Acts 46 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Many kinds of vows existed: some promised sacrifices, others – money, still others – themselves, and a fourth group – not to drink wine and not to cut their hair for a certain number of days. To this last category these men belonged. The hair was a symbol of mortification, because it, like the dead, does not feel pain.

Commentary on Acts ↗