Good morning! Today we will continue our reading in Acts chapter 21. If you recall, Paul had returned from his missionary journey to bring a report back to the elders of the Jerusalem church and to participate in the Festival of Pentecost. However, there had been some opposition and people spreading false rumors about Paul’s teaching.Join me as we watch the scene in Jerusalem unfold.

Bible Verse – Acts 21:26-29 NLT

“²⁶ So Paul went to the Temple the next day with the other men. They had already started the purification ritual, so he publicly announced the date when their vows would end and sacrifices would be offered for each of them.

²⁷ The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul in the Temple and roused a mob against him. They grabbed him, ²⁸ yelling, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who preaches against our people everywhere and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws. He speaks against the Temple—and even defiles this holy place by bringing in Gentiles.”  ²⁹ (For earlier that day they had seen him in the city with Trophimus, a Gentile from Ephesus, and they assumed Paul had taken him into the Temple.)”

Reflection

Just a little history- Gentiles were allowed in the courts of the temple area, but not allowed beyond that area. This is interesting and would explain how many people heard about God, but were separated from him because of the barriers established to keep them out of the temple. This was a form of discrimination that existed and God abolished it by sending His son Jesus to dismantle all forms of discrimination andensuring reconciliation to God for all/everyone.

Praise God for Jesus who came to remove all barriers from anyone seeking to know, follow, and believe in Jesus Christ our Savior – the son of God. The problem we read in these verses capture non-believing Jews against what Jesus Christ came to do which He stated,
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,” (Luke 4:18 NLT)

Unfortunately, Paul is caught between knowing the truth and those who falsely accuse. Sisters and brothers, there will always be someone who falsely accuses, but the Lord knows the truth. The Lord knows every detail of the story, He knows every heart being accused and every heart of the accuser. Remember in times of opposition stick with the truth, remain with the true Vine and to trust the Lord in all your ways. The Lord, will fight for you and will dismantle barriers.

Keep praying for those who don’t know Christ. Keep praying for those who falsely accuse to see Jesus, believe, repent, and follow Him.

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for allowing us to see another Monday. You have been faithful in the great and small things. Lord, thank you for never leaving us or forsaking us. Thank you for holding us together when things felt a bit out of control. Thank you for showing yourself faithful and as a secure foundation for us mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Lord, as we prepare to enter into a new week, remind us of all the things we ought to be thankful for. Lord, may our plans always include you in every detail. Lord, lead us to love one another more today than we did yesterday or last week. Help us to embrace your word and grow in our relationship with You today and each day after. Lord, even when things don’t go as we plan or as we believe they should go help us to seek you and trust your plan for our lives.

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