Vow

It's amazing how when reading the Word of God, the seemingly useless information in there can sometimes be the most important and life changing words.

That is how I feel about Acts 18:18.

Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.

Ok...so what? It seems like just factual information about where Paul is leaving, where he is going, and getting a new haircut. right?

Come to find out there is alot to be said about this.

precursor: I learned most of this from a Beth Moore Study and through looking up stuff in commentaries.

Ok, lets start by discussing where Paul just was. Cornith. And before that (according to chapter 17 of Acts) he was in Athens. Corinth was a place where many insults were hurled at him and he was persecuted. Athens was a place where everyone was "up on the new teachings." People were very open-minded...but not in a good way. They were open to things that were not of God.

Don't know if I explained Athens and Corinth very well or even in enough detail, but the point is that they were both places that were going to be difficult for Paul to preach in...and also probably a little tempting for Paul.

Lets move on to the part that talks about him going through a mid-life crisis and wanting a new hair style....kidding! Anyway, the verse states that he shaved his head marking the end of a vow. Now, scripture does not actually say what vow Paul had taken. So I don't want to say this is 100% for sure information. But it can be assumed that he had taken the Nazarite Vow. This vow (which you can read about in Numbers 6:1-27) was voluntarily made by those who desired to separate themselves unto the Lord for a determined season. And during this time there were 3 main restrictions. One of them being that "no razor may be used on their head."

It can be assumed that Paul knew full well before he went to Cornith and Athens that he would be entering places in which could potentially distract him from the God he loved and preached about. Therefore, this might be the reason for taking the vow in the first place.

NOW...those useless words mean something. How cool is that...that a man would be prepared ahead of time to be devoted to the Lord. That he did even something kind of extreme to remind himself of the vow he had taken. I mean a look in the mirror or a stroke through his long locks would help him remember who he is called to be and who he serves. Also, when others saw his long hair, it also was obvious who he served.

Like I said, it isn't certain if that is actually the vow that Paul had taken. But even if it isn't, there is something to be said about this Nazarite Vow. No...I'm not saying grow your hair out. I'm saying do obvious and practical things to devote yourselves to God. When you are boldly sharing Christ with those around you or serving those in need, it will be obvious that you are devoted to God. When you are doing practical things like setting an alarm on your cell phone to read the Bible, or posting scripture all over your home, or having an accountability partner, you are bound to remember the God that you are vowing to be devoted to.

Thank you Lord, that your Word can mold us and shape us today. I want to vow to be separated and devoted to You!