But they have heard it rumored about you that you have been teaching all the Jews among the nations an apostasy from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or to follow the customary practices.”a​—Acts 21:20b, 21.

“There Is Nothing to the Rumors” (Acts 21:22-26)

9. What did Paul teach regarding the Mosaic Law?

⁹ What about the rumors stating that Paul was teaching Jews among the nations “not to circumcise their children or to follow the customary practices”? Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles, and to them he upheld the decision that Gentiles did not have to submit to the Law. He also exposed the error of any who tried to persuade Gentile believers to undergo circumcision as a sign of submission to the Mosaic Law. (Gal. 5:1-7) Paul also preached the good news to Jews in the cities he visited. He certainly would have explained to responsive ones that Jesus’ death had made the Law obsolete and that righteousness was attained by faith, not by works of Law.​—Rom. 2:28, 29; 3:21-26.

10. What balanced attitude did Paul have in matters pertaining to the Law and circumcision?

¹⁰ Nevertheless, Paul showed understanding toward those who felt comfortable observing some Jewish customs, such as abstaining from work on the Sabbath or avoiding certain foods. (Rom. 14:1-6) And he did not set down rules about circumcision. Indeed, Paul had Timothy circumcised so that the Jews would not be suspicious of Timothy, whose father was a Greek. (Acts 16:3) Circumcision was a matter for personal decision. Paul told the Galatians: “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any value, but faith operating through love is.” (Gal. 5:6) However, to get circumcised so as to come under the Law or to present the practice as being necessary in order to obtain Jehovah’s approval would betray a lack of faith.

11. What counsel did the elders give Paul, and what would have been involved in carrying it out? (See also footnote.)

¹¹ Hence, although the rumors were gross distortions, Jewish believers were still disturbed by them.