Proof that Paul was Torah observant

Many insist that Apostle Paul taught against Torah – which, of course, is untrue, as revealed in all of Paul’s teachings, when viewed via the “Hebrew” instead of the “Greek” mindset. As a matter of fact, Paul was "caught" being Torah observant 29 years after Yeshua's death!

How do we know that little fact about Paul?

The answer can be found in Acts 21:20-24; and Acts 24:27 – which reveal that Procurator Felix was replaced ~60 CE, and the events of Acts 21 two years earlier. Assuming the death of Yeshua in ~30 CE, then the events in Act 21 were in the ~29th year after Yeshua's death.

Check it out for yourself:

Acts 21: 20. And when they heard (it) they glorified Elohim. And they said to him: “Our brother, You see how many myriads[1] there are in Judaea who have believed: and these are all zealous for Torah! [2] 21. And it has been told them, of you, that you teach all the Jews that are among the Gentiles to depart from Moshe, by telling them not to circumcise their children, and not to observe the rites of Torah. [3]

22. Now, because they have heard that you have arrived here, 23. do what we tell you. We have four men, who have vowed to purify themselves. 24. Take them, and go and purify yourself with them, and pay the expenses along with them, as they will shave their heads; that every one may know, that what is said against you is false, and that you fulfill and observe Torah. (AENT)

Acts 24: 27. And when two years were fulfilled to him, another governor, whose name was Porcius Festus, came into his place. And Felix, that he might do the Jews a favor, left Paul a prisoner. (AENT)

So, there’s your answer, folks!

Here are some footnotes pertaining to the passages:

[1] Greek murias (myriads) refers to a minimum of 10,000 souls.

[2] Most translations read “zealous for the law”; it is a self-evident truth that myriads of Netzarim followers of Y’shua were also zealous for Torah! The work of the Ruach haKodesh (Set-Apart Spirit) is to write Torah (instructions in righteousness) upon the hearts of YHWH’s people, both Jew and Elohim Fearers.

[3] Attacks against Rav Shaul (Paul) by factions of rabbinical zealots were manifold. Shaul taught that faith and intent of the heart determines whether a person is ready to be circumcised and walk in Torah. At no time did Shaul teach against either circumcision or Torah; however, he opposed the “traditions of the Pharisees” who demanded blind observance to their religious traditions. Shaul required that Gentile converts be taught about covenant and have clear understanding of what they were doing, in relationship to YHWH and His Mashiyach.

To be expected to know and observe complex halakha (collective body of Jewish religious laws that are derived from the Written and Oral Torah; literal meaning: “the way”) at early stages of belief is unacceptable. Both the Pharisees and Netzarim taught that a person must study to develop their understanding and establish the intent in their heart before circumcision, rather than blindly follow the wishes of others.

Only a small group of zealots demanded immediate circumcision, which is something Rav Shaul clearly opposes. It is very evident that Awraham received instruction before his circumcision, and he is the father of Faith for both Jews and Gentiles alike.