Alex Kremer - 08-27-2023 // Swallowing Spiders in Our Sleep; Acts 21:27-39

A post on Facebook once cited a study which suggested that, on average, we swallow four spiders per year in our sleep.  People shared the related posts and the story spread.  The problem was, the supposed study was, itself, was part of a study to see how quickly information can spread on the internet.  What we do see through these types of interactions is how quickly lies spread; but they also highlight our propensity to not just tell lies, but to believe them.

When Paul was in Jerusalem, Jews from Asia spread lies about him to their countrymen, asserting Paul had even brought Greeks, filthy Gentiles, into the temple.  Naturally, the Jews in Jerusalem were all too willing to believe these falsehoods, throwing the city into an uproar with Paul's life in danger.

Despite these blatant lies about Paul, we see his overarching desire to preach the Gospel to the very crowd seeking his life.  In examining Paul's response to such hostility, we can get a glimpse into our own attitude toward the enemies of the cross.  Is our attitude one of love, seeking the salvation of the lost?  Or are we more prone to strike back.

Than you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray you will be blessed and encouraged through the teaching of God's Word.