Paul Teaches, Ministers, Travels

Acts 18:13; 13. Worship God contrary to the law] See Acts 4:13-22; 16:21. When the laws of the land either prescribe or proscribe modes and systems of worship, such is not of God. (D&C 134:4.) The Lord's plan of agency says: 'Choose ye this day whom ye will serve, for in no other way can you work out your salvation.' Lucifer's program of compulsion replies 'You have no choice but to worship as I decree, and I shall entice men to pass laws forbidding true and compelling false worship.'

Acts 18:14-17; 14-17. Gallio refused to use the religious laws of the Jews as an excuse for imposing criminal penalties on the saints; he properly limited his jurisdiction to the laws of the land. Well might Pilate and Festus and Agrippa have had like wisdom when matters affecting the destiny of God's earthly kingdom came before them for judgment. Yet Gallio, with callous disregard of the rights of his subjects, permitted the Greeks to beat Sosthenes before the judgment seat itself.

Acts 18:18; 18. Paul... had a vow] "As an incentive to greater personal righteousness, it is a wholesome and proper thing for the saints to make frequent vows to the Lord. These are solemn promises to perform some duty, refrain from some sin, keep some commandment, or press forward in greater service in the kingdom. Thus Jacob vowed to accept Jehovah as his God and to pay an honest tithing (Genesis 28:20-22), and Hannah vowed to give Samuel to the Lord for his service. (1 Sam. 1:9-18.)

Acts 18:18; "The saints should offer their vows both on the Lord's day and on all days (D&C 59:8-12); and once offered, they are to be kept. (D&C 108:3; Numbers 30:2; Eccles. 5:4-5.) When vows are made in righteousness, they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, and the Lord's blessings attend their performance. (D&C 132: 7.)" (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., p. 825.)

Acts 18:18; What Paul's vow was is not clear. From the fact that he shaved his head it is assumed he may have been following the Jewish custom where Nazarites are concerned. (Num. 6.) If so he was performing an unnecessary and improper rite, for the apparent purpose of humoring either the Jewish segment of the Church or prospective Jewish converts or both. Compare Acts 21:17-26.

Acts 18:21; 21. If God will] See James 4:13-17.