This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Acts 21:27-36, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
One day, Paul was in the temple and some people who didn’t like him saw him there. They started yelling and making a big fuss, saying that Paul was teaching things that were against their laws and traditions.
One person shouted, “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.” Another person added, “We saw him with Trophimus the Ephesian in the city, and we thought that he brought him into the temple.”
The people got so angry that they grabbed Paul and started to hurt him. They wanted to kill him! But just then, a soldier came and stopped them. The soldier asked Paul, “Who are you? What have you done?”
Paul replied, “I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please, let me speak to the people.”
Some people in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. It was chaos! The soldier couldn’t understand what was happening, so he took Paul to a safe place called the barracks. But even on the way there, there were lots of people following them and yelling mean things at Paul. They shouted, “Away with him!”
It was a very scary situation for Paul, but he trusted in God and knew that God was with him no matter what happened.
Biblical Lessons
- Sometimes people may not like us because of our beliefs, but we should continue to trust in God.
- Speaking up for what we believe in can sometimes lead to opposition and persecution.
- Even in difficult and dangerous situations, God can use us to accomplish His purposes.
- God can use unexpected people and circumstances to bring about His plans.
- It is important to remain calm and level-headed in the midst of chaos and confusion.
- We should be willing to stand up for what is right, even if it means facing opposition and persecution.