What can we learn from Acts 21:29 about the dangers of prejudice? Setting the Scene Acts 21:29: “For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.” The Prejudice at Work - Jewish accusers saw a Gentile companion and jumped to a conclusion. - No eyewitness testimony of Trophimus actually entering the temple’s restricted courts. - Assumption became accusation, accusation became public uproar. Why This Matters - Prejudice can arise from a single sighting, rumor, or partial information. - A false narrative spread quickly, threatening Paul’s life and ministry (vv. 30–31). - Even devout people are vulnerable to biased thinking when tradition is challenged. Biblical Warnings Against Rash Judgment - John 7:24 – “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” - Deuteronomy 19:15 – Requires “two or three witnesses” before any charge stands. - Proverbs 18:13 – “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame.” God’s Heart of Impartiality - Acts 10:34–35 – “God does not show favoritism.” - Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 2:11 – “For God does not show partiality.” The Ripple Effect of Prejudice • It distorts truth – Facts are replaced by assumptions. • It ignites conflict – A mob formed, the temple was disrupted, and Roman troops intervened (Acts 21:31–32). • It hinders the gospel – Paul lost the chance for peaceful witness in that moment. • It maligns God’s character – The temple meant to reveal God’s holiness became the stage for injustice. Practical Guardrails for Believers Today - Verify before vocalizing: seek evidence, not rumor. - Give others the benefit of the doubt; love “believes all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). - Remember common identity in Christ; prejudice has no place in the body. - Speak up when bias surfaces; silence can fuel misinformation (Proverbs 31:8-9). - Let Scripture shape perceptions, not cultural or personal bias (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Summary Acts 21:29 exposes how quickly prejudice can produce false charges and violent fallout. Scripture calls believers to reject assumptions, embrace God’s impartiality, and walk in truth-shaped love. |
    |