27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” (ESV)

There is something reminiscent of Jesus’ experience, with the crowd being ”stirred up” and crying out for Paul’s death (see John 19:15). This was but twenty-seven years later. However, the Sovereign Lord who makes all things serve His purposes overruled, even in their hostility, to give the apostle an opportunity to testify.

I was particularly struck by the words, ”they supposed” (29). I recognise how easily we can be misled by supposition, and put the wrong construction on other people’s actions, leading to various bad outcomes. For example, we can tell ourselves lies about others (and maybe even spread them?)

‘Even though Paul was completely innocent of the charge, it placed in jeopardy not only his name and reputation but also his very life. Let us take this as a reminder of the destructive power of any false charge, especially within the church.’ Tom Hale.

PRAYER: Lord, give me the wisdom and grace to believe the best about others, as much as possible, and to always ‘take the high road.’