August 26, 2021 - Acts 21:26-40

How would you address an angry crowd that is threatening to do bodily harm to you? I was confronted with this situation one summer when we were having a Vacation Bible School at the first church I pastored. We were busing a load of children from a town six miles from the church. Most of the children were unchurched and full of energy especially after two hours of games, refreshments, and activity! The ride home was unusually noisy. For everyone’s safety, the bus driver pulled off the road until it was quiet. Consequently, the bus arrived later than usual and some parents threatened to do us harm, thinking we were being negligent with their children.

Paul was accosted and threatened because of a mistaken identity. He had all but completed the seven days of purification for the Nazarene vow he and four others had taken. Jews from Asia saw them in the temple area and assumed Paul was with Trophimus, the Ephesian whom they had seen earlier in the city with Paul. They began to cry out that Paul was defiling the temple and upon seizing him and dragging him out of the temple they slammed the doors shut.

The crowd was intent upon killing Paul and they would have if the Roman garrison commander had not intervened. Upon questioning, the commander could not determine what the accusations were against Paul so he ordered him to be chained and taken to the barracks for questioning. As Paul is being dragged and carried, he asks the commander to allow him to speak to the Jews that were trying to kill him.

As Paul stood to speak. the crowd suddenly became quiet so Paul could speak in their native Hebrew tongue. What was to have been a joyous occasion of temple worship was now the grounds for mistrust, attempted murder and trial as Paul stood to speak.

Many times, doing the right thing is perceived as wrong and action is taken that would not be considered under less stressful moments. Like pulling the bus to the side of the road or waiting until the noise level drops before proceeding. Simple gestures that are not harmful but without the complete information can appear as dangerous. As we connect with people and attempt to share Jesus with them, be aware of how even small issues can sidetrack the conversation and keep the main point of Christ’s love from being spoken. Pastor Tom reminds us often, we are part of a threefold team; the Word of God, the Work of the Holy Spirit, and the Witness of the believer! Pray, be watchful and sensitive to the Holy Spirit as you seek to share the gospel with others.

With an Expectant Hope,

Pastor Miller