Paul's Defense Before the Jerusalem Populace

Paul's first defense of his gospel was directed at the Jewish believers in Palestine and took the form of a physical act in joining together with the men who'd taken a vow. That defense, in turn, became the occasion for his second defense before the populace of Jerusalem. Once again he was obliged to affirm that his gospel wasn't some new "way" that either abrogated or perverted Israel's law, covenant life or promises from Yahweh. Rather, his gospel of the kingdom in Jesus of Nazareth proclaimed Yahweh's faithfulness to Israel and the world; Paul was promoting and insisting upon nothing but the fulfillment of all that the Law, Prophets and Writings had promised.