Falsely Accused

GETTING STARTED

When I read the passage below, I am quickly reminded of Jesus. Jesus always did what pleased the Father. He unconditionally loved people, even those who were enemies. He lived out the truths of Scripture and showed grace in his dealings with people. He healed people, fed people, loved people. Yet, he was falsely accused. Jesus told his followers that if he was persecuted, then they would be as well; therefore, it should not be a surprise that in today’s passage Paul was also falsely accused and persecuted.

  • When was a time when you tried to live a Christ-honoring life and were misunderstood or falsely accused?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 21:27-36 (ESV)

27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him (Paul) in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Where was Paul? (In verse 27, the seven days refers to a purification ritual done in accordance with the Jewish Law.)
  2. What were the two accusations against Paul (vs. 28)? Were the accusations accurate?
  3. What were the Jews seeking to do to Paul? How and by whom was Paul saved?
  4. What has God called you to do that may threaten your security or status? What would it look like for you to trust him with that today?

RESPOND TO GOD

Paul was in the temple to fulfill a vow that he had taken earlier, and he was there to worship. He was falsely accused and was at the point of death. He was a just man about to be killed. In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul said that everyone who lives a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. We may not experience the type of persecution Paul experienced, but we will be misunderstood even when trying to glorify God with our lives. The apostle Peter said we should not be surprised at the trials we face as believers. Jesus told us to seek first the kingdom of God. If you have been falsely accused as a follower of Jesus, take heart—so have many before you, and many after will be as well.

  • Ask the Lord to help you to seek his kingdom and to stand when falsely accused.