Gossip

7-25-2014      Acts 21:25-

S.       25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

O.      The Jerusalem elders declare their understanding of the status of gentile believers. Paul begins his days of cleansing (under Jewish law). The Temple is shut and a mob tries to kill Paul based on rumors and lies.

A.      All too often we react to information before we know the facts. Information can be wrong, out of context and even miss-spoken. The source of the information is the matter in question. Very reliable people, good people, honest people and even Christians will “share” information that is later found to be incorrect. Second hand information is usually the information that is incorrect.

P.       Father; Guard my lips that they speak only the things I have seen with my own eyes. Grant me discernment to know when to speak and when to keep silent. Amen.