Paul was noticed by those who did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. False accusations were made and he was beaten. He would have been killed if the Romans didn’t get involved (31). The Romans arrested Paul falsely believing that he was a revolutionary (38). Neither Jew nor Roman investigated the reports to see what was the truth and what was not. They all made assumptions on their prejudice and acted on them.
The violence against Paul was executed in the temple by religious people. When people believe they are unquestionably right and need to act to protect that which they believe in, then violently protecting what they believe in can be executed in any means possible, even if it means violating what they believe in. When negative emotions take over the body rational thinking and truth-finding ceases.
Today much decisive, incomplete, and deceptive reporting is conducted. These reports are stirring up negative emotions and irrational thinking. Many are believing what they hear without investigation. Some are growing angry and are randomly acting out violently. A person doesn’t need to have a religion to act in false religious fervor.
I have firm beliefs. However, I have through my life needed to change what I believed and how I acted in those beliefs. I have experienced how negative emotions can shut down my rational thoughts. I always need to be on guard against the yeast of false religious fervor. As Jesus said, “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” (Mark 8:15)
