Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 17
Read Acts 21:26-22:5

As we serve the Lord, we are often misunderstood, both by believers and unbelievers alike. When Paul entered Jerusalem, he did so with Gentile companions who he had led to faith in Christ. Some assumptions were made, wrong reports spread throughout the town, and then the gossip blossomed into accusations that Paul was bringing Gentiles into the holy place of the temple. It simply was not true. But the damage had already been done — the rumor led to an emotional upheaval and the Jews demanding Paul’s death!
Paul’s heart was in the right place. He was trying to reach the Gentiles with the gospel while not offending the Jews. However, just as in the case of Christ, he was misunderstood in his ministry. How did Paul respond to being attacked? Did he respond in anger or shrink away to pout about getting His feelings hurt? No, Paul’s answer to this conflict was to proclaim the gospel boldly! Scripture tells us the hearts and minds of unbelievers can be blinded to the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4), so like Paul, we need to remember that even when the world misunderstands us, our mandate to share the good news remains the same. We need to love people as Jesus loves them.
When you are misunderstood, try not to take the insults personally. Find common ground with others, as Paul did, and show people the love of Christ by sharing Jesus and His Word — even in the face of mistreatment.