We’ve discussed Rav Shaul, the Apostle Paul, several times recently.  Specifically, the question has been, “what was Rav Shaul’s example?”  He did say, ‘Imitate me as I imitate Messiah…’

Well, friend and commenter, hisloammi sent me a list with more ‘do as I do’ examples of Paul from Scripture.

• Shaul (Paul) observed the Biblical feasts of Israel in accordance to the cycle and calendar of the Holy Temple.  (Acts 20:6)

• Shaul (Paul) made the vow of a Nazirite in accordance to Torah observance.  (Acts 18:18)

• Shaul (Paul) took part in ritual purification services.  (Acts 21:23-26; 24:18)

• Shaul (Paul) pays for ceremonial costs. (Acts 21:24)

• Shaul (Paul) prays and worships at the Temple.  (Acts 22:17; 24:11)

• Shaul (Paul) showed honor to the priesthood.  (Acts 23:5)

• Shaul (Paul) paid his Temple tax (offering) Greek prosphora προσφορά = {presentation; concretely an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice}.  (Acts 24:17)

• Shaul (Paul) shows the leaders of the Messianic assembly in Jerusalem that he was still devoted toward the Temple. He assisted others in Temple services.  (Acts 21:23-26)

• Shaul (Paul) kept the pilgrim feasts, to the point that he would stop his ministry work to attend.  (Acts 20:16; I Cor.16:8)

• Shaul (Paul), while on trial, declared his ceremonial purity. (Acts 25:8;28:17)

I’ve heard some argue, ‘Oh, well, that’s because he was Jewish and was doing the Jewish custom.’

Uh, no.  That is a total FAIL considering none of the Torah is “Jewish custom.”  Christendom may regard it as custom, but that does not negate the fact it is the eternal Law of Yehovah, intended for all His people, whether native or foreigner.  The Jews may paint it as custom that defines them culturally, but that doesn’t change what it is, either.

Simply, as we have pointed out again and a again, Paul/Shaul, kept Torah and expected new believers to keep Torah as well.

Shalom.