TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please Read Acts 21:27–36
The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”
Acts 21:33–36
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
What is mob rule? It is a state wherein large groups of people act without the government’s consent, authorities, etc., resulting in anarchy, violence, chaos, and disorder in the community.
In today’s passage, people joined the mindless mob, not knowing the issue, who the person was, and what he had committed. They were drawn by the emotions stirred up by Paul’s enemies. Paul was beaten up, arrested, bound with chains, and treated like a common criminal, yet all he wanted was to fulfill the Jewish law and share the gospel: no justice whatsoever.
Paul’s life has been in constant danger. His purpose was to share the gospel with the Jews and Gentiles. Yet many times, in almost all the places he went, mob violence awaited him. It was inspiring how despite all these, he kept on persevering for the gospel. In fact, we learn how Paul was taken to Rome as a prisoner, awaiting his execution in the succeeding chapters. Yet when imprisoned there, he was able to declare in Philippians 1:21, “for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” What a great example of someone whose unwavering focus was on God alone, and nothing distracted him from it.
Can this be our goal as well? Let’s focus on God alone and let nothing else distract us from loving Him with all our hearts, minds, and strength.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, teach us to respond to misunderstandings with patience and love. Guide us to seek peace in chaos, reflect Your grace, and bring understanding. Thank You for these lessons. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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