God's Providence Delivering Us
Scripture Passage: Acts 21:27-36 (NASB)
27 When the seven days were almost over, the Jews from Asia, upon seeing him in the temple, began to stir up all the crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who instructs everyone everywhere against our people and the Law and this place; and besides, he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place!” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they thought that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then the whole city was provoked and the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. 31 While they were intent on killing him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He immediately took along some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and ordered that he be bound with two chains; and he began asking who he was and what he had done. 34 But among the crowd, some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks. 35 When Paul got to the stairs, it came about that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob; 36 for the multitude of people kept following them, shouting, “Away with him!”
SUMMARY
Paul completed the purification days, but on the last day the Jews from Asia falsely accused and persecuted Paul. They stirred up the crowd claiming that he was teaching everyone against the Jewish law, defiled the temple and brought Greeks into the temple. It was forbidden for foreigners to enter the temple and they were killed if they did. The crowd dragged Paul out and was beating to kill him. When the commander of the Roman cohort heard this, he immediately went and put a stop to it. The violence of the mob was so great that Paul had to be carried out by the soldiers.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
Paul was being beat to death and if it were not for the commander of the Roman cohort, his life would not have been spared. The Jews of Asia accused him of many wrong doings. They specifically accused him of bringing foreigners to enter the temple so that they have the right to kill him under the Roman law. Ironically, God used the Roman army to protect Paul.
I was reminded of God’s grace and mercy and His amazing care for His children. Even when I am facing a life and death situation, God is there to protect me in the most unexpected and amazing way. No matter what trials and crisis I may face in life, I must remember that I am in His care and to put my hope in Christ.
APPLICATION
I experienced God’s protection many times in my life. From protecting me from physical harm to making right decisions to avoid serious consequences. I will remember those times especially when I am facing a crisis or when my faith is shaking. I will also make a conscious effort to share my personal experiences with family members who have drifted away from Christ.
PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for your care and protection over my life. Help me to trust you completely and faithfully in all circumstances even if it seems impossible. For you know it all, you are in control and you work all things for good. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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