Acts chapter 19 verses 32 – 34 (NIV)
The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Here we see a reminder of the dangers of following the crowd. There was a great furore stirred up amongst the people by some merchants who felt threatened by Paul’s teaching. Yet we are told that most people in the crowd didn’t even know why they were there.
We can see that sometimes today people who don’t like what the Word of God teaches in the Bible, they may try and stir up negative opinion and even aggression towards faith in God. Some people may even join in, even if they don’t actually know what the Bible actually says.
As Ambassadors of Jesus, and thus His representatives, we should be like Alexander, and be prepared to give a defence of what we believe, even in the face of opposition. We must also be careful to do so with grace and in a manner that reflects Jesus.
Dear Lord,
I’m grateful for the truth that’s found in You.
Help me always to be ready to give an account of what I believe, and to be a proper Ambassador of Jesus. I pray in His Name. Amen.