What can we learn from Acts 21:28 about defending our faith today? Setting the Scene • Acts 21:27-29 places Paul inside the Jerusalem temple during Pentecost week. • Verse 28 records a mob shouting: “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our Law and this place. And now he has even brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place!” • Their claims are false (v. 29 explains they had only assumed Paul brought Trophimus inside). Yet the episode launches a riot that almost kills Paul. False Accusations Are Part of Gospel Ministry • Jesus foretold it: “Blessed are you when people insult you… because of Me” (Matthew 5:11-12). • Paul later reminds Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). • Expect misunderstanding. Standing for Christ does not guarantee fair treatment; it often invites misrepresentation. Guarding Truth with Grace • Paul’s critics attack three areas: – “our people” (national identity) – “our Law” (Mosaic authority) – “this place” (temple holiness) • Today, Christianity is accused of harming culture, ignoring reason, or disrespecting sacred spaces of others. Paul shows that we do not retaliate in kind. In the next chapter he calmly explains the gospel (Acts 22:1-21). • 1 Peter 3:15-16 instructs: “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you… yet with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.” Paul does exactly that. Prepared to Suffer for the Gospel • Moments earlier believers warned Paul not to enter Jerusalem (Acts 21:4). He answered, “I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). • Gospel defense is not merely verbal; it includes willingness to endure loss, reputation damage, even chains. • Hebrews 10:34 speaks of believers who “joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession”. Purity of Worship Matters • Ironically, the crowd’s charge of temple defilement shows Israel’s zeal for holiness. Paul never dismisses that concern; he honors God’s holiness more deeply through Christ. • Jude 1:3 urges believers to “contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints”. Defending orthodoxy means valuing God’s holy standards while directing people to the Messiah who fulfilled them. Strategic Defense, Not Self-Defense • Paul’s goal is gospel advance, not personal vindication. In Acts 22-28 he gives four formal defenses before hostile audiences, turning each into evangelistic opportunity. • Philippians 1:12-13 (written from Roman custody) testifies: “what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel… the whole palace guard knows”. • When facing criticism, ask: How can this moment point listeners to Christ? Practical Takeaways Today • Expect distortion; refuse bitterness. • Answer with Scripture, clarity, and respect. • Hold firm convictions about God’s holiness while proclaiming grace in Christ. • View hardship as a platform for witness. • Keep the mission bigger than reputation—defend the gospel so others can hear truth. |
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