Acts 21:27–36 | Paul Arrested in the Temple

"You don't have to clean yourself up to come, but it is all going to be demanded of you essentially." – Pastor Chris

The Tree Church Bible Study returned with Stacy Crawford hosting alongside Pastors Chris and Anthony. After a summer break, the group stepped back into the book of Acts, continuing with Paul’s story in chapter 21.

Before diving into Scripture, the group reflected on personal highlights from the past few months. Pastor Chris shared about the challenges of a humid family vacation and the joy of planting trees on his property. Pastor Anthony recalled his first time teaching at youth camp, while Stacy described the fun of traveling with her daughter to Myrtle Beach. These lighthearted stories set the tone before turning to the intense events of Acts 21.

The passage in Acts 21:27–36 recounts Paul’s arrest at the temple. Some Jews from Asia accused Paul of speaking against Jewish law, dishonoring the temple, and even defiling it by allegedly bringing in a Gentile. Though this was only an assumption, the charge stirred up a mob that dragged Paul from the temple and tried to kill him. Roman soldiers quickly intervened, rescuing Paul from the riot but placing him in chains for questioning.

The pastors noted how Paul’s story illustrates the power of false assumptions and the danger of unnecessary barriers. What began as an unfounded claim escalated into violence, showing how quickly division can grow.

Pastor Chris explained why this event carried such intensity for the Jewish people. For them, the temple was the center of worship, identity, and connection with God. Protecting its holiness was a priority, rooted in centuries of history. At the same time, the New Testament reveals how the meaning of holiness had been corrupted. While the people clung to the letter of the law, they had lost its heart.

The conversation turned to the theme of barriers. Just as Jews excluded Gentiles from worship, churches today can unintentionally create obstacles. Pastor Anthony mentioned how dress codes, personal preferences, or assumptions about appearances- such as tattoos or clothing- can deter people from attending church. Pastor Chris added that political labels and worship styles often become dividing lines.

Stacy reminded listeners that many of these barriers are rooted in stereotypes or assumptions. Instead of getting to know people and walking with them, we often judge too quickly. The group acknowledged how this attitude has even shaped how churches interact with communities like the LGBTQ population, sometimes pushing people away before they can hear about Jesus.

While human-made barriers are destructive, the pastors also stressed that God sets expectations for His followers. The Bible is both inclusive and exclusive. The invitation of the gospel is for everyone, but following Jesus means surrender and transformation.
Pastor Anthony explained that believers cannot live however they want and still claim Christ. Instead, life with Jesus means daily surrender, obedience, and growth in holiness. Pastor Chris added that while anyone can come as they are, God calls His people to be set apart in how they live.

The group emphasized the need for patience and grace. Pastor Anthony reminded listeners not to expect non-believers to live like Christians before they know Jesus. Transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit, not a requirement beforehand.
They also encouraged believers to avoid setting personal timelines for others’ growth. Each person’s journey of sanctification is unique. As Pastor Anthony said, “You don’t know where that person has come from, what God has saved them from, and what He’s doing in their life right now.”

The study ended with Pastor Chris praying for the courage to remove unnecessary barriers while embracing the expectations God places on His people. He asked God to give the church open hearts that welcome those who look, talk, or live differently, while also calling believers to live in holiness.

This Bible study highlighted the tension between invitation and transformation- welcoming everyone to meet Jesus, while also walking faithfully in the boundaries God has set.