It’s interesting how current events can be a reminder of a similar event in the Bible. While Paul was in Ephesus in Acts 19, “there arose a great commotion about the Way” (19:23), and unbelievers targeted Paul for his preaching and miracles (19:27). Read the reactions of the people carefully: “They were full of wrath and cried out…So the whole city was filled with confusion…Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together…all with one voice cried out for about two hours” (19:18, 29, 32, 34). The city clerk finally spoke up and urged for matters to be “determined in the lawful assembly,” instead of “this disorderly gathering” (19:39-40).
God calls upon us to “reason” through things (Isa. 1:18). He tells us to “not follow a crowd to do evil” (Ex. 23:2). He warns us that evil influences can lead us astray (1 Cor. 15:33). Let us ever be mindful to consider those with whom we associate and, rather than following blindly, let us set a godly example by choosing to follow Christ first (Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:9-12).