While Paul was in the temple in Jerusalem, the Jews from Asia staged false accusations and provoked the people that Paul was against his own people, the law, and defiled the temple by bringing Gentiles into it (28). This accusation is serious because lives are at stake. The people were incited to arrest and persecute Paul (30, 32). They took the law into their own hands without investigating the truth. They wanted to destroy Paul, but fortunately God still protected Paul. God protected Paul from being killed by the angry mob through the hands of the Roman tribune.
Paul is being treated much like his Savior was treated. The words "get rid of him!" exactly what the Jewish people told Jesus in court (John 19:15). At that time Jesus was falsely accused, and now Paul is experiencing it. False accusations led to his arrest and trial.
Jesus' disciples and all his followers suffered. We as His followers also have to suffer for the faith and the gospel we preach. When we decide to follow Jesus, we must be prepared to be disliked, to face accusations and slander as were experienced by the apostle Paul and other followers of Jesus. But above all, God always helps us. The suffering we experience is not comparable to the glory we will receive later in the kingdom of heaven. How much are you willing to suffer for the Name of the Lord? Would you face your death with the courage of the martyrs in history? If God should give you the privilege of suffering for his Name, do you dare to respond?
Reflection on Acts 21: 27-36 by: Fr. Fransiskus Diaz, SVD
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