What vow was Paul adhering to when he had his hair cut?
Acts 18:18
AMP - 18 Afterward Paul remained many days longer, and then told the brethren farewell and sailed for Syria; and he was accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he [Paul] cut his hair, for he had made a vow.
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Asked January 14 2014
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Bren Stewart
Supporter
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Mark Vestal
Supporter
I believe the vow that Paul made was for the purpose of entering the synagogue at Ephesus (as stated in the next verse). Acts 18:18-19 "And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. 19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.." This would also be in line with Paul having Timothy circumcised for the purpose of being in the presence of Jews with the hope of gaining some believers (Acts 16:1-5). 1 Cor 9:19-22 "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
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