When Following God Brings Conflict

Paul’s experience in Jerusalem shows how when following God brings conflict and reminds believers to stand firm, stay grounded in truth, and trust God when facing opposition.

“When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd. … Then all the city was stirred up. … They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple” (Acts 21:27, 30).

When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, some received him “gladly” (v. 17), joyful to hear what God had done “among the Gentiles through his ministry” (v. 19). But Paul was warned that “thousands” of Jewish believers had heard that he’d been teaching Jews “to forsake Moses” and the “customs” of their ancestors (v. 21).

James, the church leader, urged Paul to demonstrate that he still was following the precepts of the Law and had not abandoned the teachings of their forefathers. Paul was to go to the temple and purify himself along with four men who were “under a vow” (vs. 23–24). James hoped this would satisfy the critics, but instead, it led to a wave of violence.

Some had seen Paul with Trophimus, a Gentile, and assumed Paul had brought him into the temple. Quickly, word spread that Paul had “defiled this holy place” (v. 28). The crowd became enraged, and a riot engulfed the city. Paul, falsely accused, was dragged out of the temple.

This story not only demonstrates how quickly rumors can spread, it also demonstrates how we believers might be attacked for our faith or wrongly accused. We must be sure about our faith, having a strong foundation and an intimate, personal relationship with God.

Let God give you confidence and boldness. Dedicate yourself to prayer. Read, study, and live by the Word. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. No matter what happens, trust in Him.

Reflection Question: Am I prepared to stand firm in my faith?