It’s been hard to read Acts recently concerning the riots that seemed to follow Paul, and not think about the riots going on in the States right now.
Obviously, we’re talking about two very different kinds of situations bringing about the riots, but there are some things that are the same.
A couple of weeks ago, a riot in Chicago was started because there were reports that an unarmed 15-year-old boy was shot by the police.
It turned out that the “victim” was actually a 20-year-old armed young man who had been shooting at the police.
Now as I write, there are reports and video of a man being shot by the police while entering his car.
At this point, details are kind of sketchy, particularly on why the police felt it necessary to shoot. There is no doubt that as things stand, things look bad.
And if indeed facts match appearances, the officers should be held accountable and prosecuted.
The result of this incident was yet another riot. But I will repeat once more, we still don’t have all the facts.
What’s my point?
Let’s look at what happened in the riot that took place in Acts 21.
First, the cause.
For they (the Jews) had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. (Acts 21:29)
This was a serious matter to the Jews. Clear warnings were written on signs in the temple area that any Gentiles that went beyond the “Court of the Gentiles” were subject to death.
The Jews saw Paul walking along with a Gentile in Jerusalem and automatically assumed that Paul had brought him into the restricted area. Thus, the riot.
The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together…word went up to the commander of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in chaos. (30-31)
Sound familiar?
He (the commander) asked who he (Paul) was and what he had done.
Some in the crowd were shouting one thing and some another. Since he was not able to get reliable information because of the uproar. (33-34)
I look at what’s going on in the States, and this is what I see. Lots of confusion. Lots of emotion. Very little reliable information.
Our Lord said this,
Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment. (John 7:24)
There will be plenty of time to condemn these officers once all the facts come out. But let us not simply make assumptions based on appearances.
It was that kind of reaction which caused the unjustified riot in Chicago.
To be frank, I don’t think riots are ever justified. There are better ways to deal with injustice.
As followers of Jesus Christ, if we love the love truth, let us not just join in with the crowd in their anger, condemning people based on mere appearances.
Rather, let us make all our judgments based on truth. Our Lord demands no less.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 