Some in the crowd shouted 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.
Acts 21:13-14

Acts 21:27 - 22:29

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Things begin to take a negative turn for Paul in today’s reading.

While completing his days of purification some old enemies from Asia stir up the crowd deceitfully by saying Paul had defiled the Temple.

They did this by mixing partial truths with outright lies to rile up the people (verse 29).

Just as the crowd is beginning to assault Paul, the tribune (a Roman official) comes in and arrests him.

The tribune, as an officer of the law, is trying to discover the truth about what was happening but “he could not learn the facts because of the uproar” (verse 34).

A case could be made that Paul’s enemies used propaganda to stir up the crowd.

A good definition of “propaganda” is that it is “information that is used primarily to influence an audience and further an agenda, which may not be objective and may be presenting facts selectively to encourage a particular synthesis or perception, or using loaded language to
produce an emotional rather than a rational response to the information that is presented.”

Those who spread propaganda seek to change people’s attitudes and behaviors through deception and confusion rather than through persuasion and education.

As followers of Jesus, the Way, Truth, and The Life, we are called to be the people of truth. Lies are the way of Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44).

Today, ask God to help you be a person committed to seeking the truth.

Prayer to Seek Truth

Lord, help me to seek truth today –
To find it in places and people I wouldn’t otherwise notice.
Teach me that in truth there is wisdom and understanding .
May seeking truth help me overcome my fears and frustrations.

Lord, help me to strive for truth in all that I do today –
That my thoughts, words, and actions may reflect Your goodness .
Show me that only in truth will I be free
To live honestly and courageously,
To love wholeheartedly and unconditionally.

Lord, help me to cherish truth –
Knowing that You are the author of all that is beautiful, good, and true.
May truth reign in my heart, no matter what I encounter today –
Lies, mockery, confusion, or betrayal. Y
our truth gives me clarity and peace .

Lord, You created truth.
You are Truth.
Help me to know truth when I see it;
Learn truth when I am taught it;
Love truth,
Live truth.

Help me to share truth with others today –
Those who are lost and lonely,
The brokenhearted and weary,
Anyone who is suffering from visible or invisible pain.

When I am a son or daughter of truth, I am free to be
Fully alive
Fully myself
And an honest reflection of You.

Truth leads to greater knowledge
Compassion
Understanding
Respect
Charity
And excellence in all virtues.

Truth strengthens me
Guides me
Leads me
Protects me
Keeps me.

I am constant when I dwell in Your truth.
I am unafraid of what I may face.
I am vigilant and poised for speaking
The witness of who You are in truth.

Amen.

prayer (c) Jeannie Ewing 2018