Then the commander arrested him and ordered him bound with two chains. He asked the crowd who he was and what he had done. Some shouted one thing and some another. Since he couldn’t find out the truth in all the uproar and confusion, he ordered that Paul be taken to the fortress. As Paul reached the stairs, the mob grew so violent the soldiers had to lift him to their shoulders to protect him. And the crowd followed behind, shouting, “Kill him, kill him!”
(Acts of the Apostles 21:33-36 NLT) It is simply mind boggling to me to think that those who claim to be the most religious can act the most hostile. Many evil things have been done by "religious" people. Jesus said "For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God." (John 16:2 NLT) Paul had done no wrong yet some of the Jews wanted him dead. Standing in the gospel of grace of God is, indeed, the right thing. Doing the right thing doesn't always make everyone happy, sometimes it stirs them up. Following Jesus with complete surrender can rub the status quo the wrong way and it can motivate them to react in hostility. Regardless of the cost, we must walk in truth. The truth will set us free. Jesus said "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 NLT). The Truth (Jesus) is worth dying for!!!
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March 2020
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