Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Acts 21: Full Boil

The tensions that have been rising between Paul and the Jews reach a full boil in Acts 21 as his appearance in Jerusalem causes a riot.

After receiving numerous warnings that trouble lay ahead for him in Jerusalem (v. 4 and 11), Paul finally arrives in Jerusalem around the time of Pentecost (20:16).  After meeting with the elders of the Church, Paul decides to allay any worries about his evangelistic activities among the Gentiles by honoring his Jewish heritage through participating in a vow.  

Minding his own business, Paul is spotted by outspoken Jews from the province of Asia and wrongly accused of bringing Gentiles (Trophimus from Ephesus) into the temple.  This accusation amounts to pouring gasoline on a fire, and Paul is assaulted by a mob.  The ensuing riot leads to a platoon of Roman soldiers being called out to preserve the peace, which they have to do by protecting Paul.  

At the end of the chapter, Paul prevails upon the tribune in charge to be allowed to speak to the crowd, in the hopes of making his case and quieting them down.

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