What does the Bible say about rioting? | GotQuestions.org

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Today's question is, what does the Bible say about rioting? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective.

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Then afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

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A riot is a violent, noisy disturbance of the peace by a crowd. Riots usually result in property damage and injuries to people.

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We are seeing an increasing number of riots across the world, fueled by everything from race to religion.

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Sometimes a peaceful gathering can turn into a riot when something triggers strong emotion among the majority of the attendees.

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Often those who are rioting believe themselves in the right as they passionately express their opinions en masse.

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But are they right? Does the Bible say anything about rioting? The Bible mentions a few riots, none of them favorably.

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Paul was the victim of rioters on several occasions in 2 Corinthians 6, Acts 17, and 19, verses 23 -41.

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In each case, jealousy and deception were at the heart of the riot. It was the hate -filled agenda of the instigators that fired up the townspeople, many of whom were not even sure of the issues at stake.

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The fact that most of the Ephesian rioters did not even know why they were there says volumes about mob mentality,

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Acts 19, verse 32. The most infamous riot in the Bible occurred during Jesus' trial before Pilate.

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The governor had found no fault in him, Luke 23, verse 4. However, the chief scribes and religious leaders were determined to kill

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Jesus, so they stirred up the crowd, Mark 15, verse 11. Here we have a clue as to the nature of most riots.

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Many of those in the crowd had seen Jesus' miracles, heard Him teaching in their synagogues, and may have even been healed by Him.

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Yet, under the influence of impassioned leaders, they quickly turned against Him.

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The same people who had shouted, "'Hosanna, Hosanna!' only days before, Mark 11, verses 9 -10, now shouted, "'Crucify

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Him!' Mark 15, verses 13 -14." Most riots begin with an instigator, someone with an agenda.

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Riots may appear to be spontaneous outbursts of unified outrage, but closer investigation usually reveals people behind the scenes stirring up the passions of the crowd.

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Those who expect to benefit from the riot may use inflammatory speech, exaggerated details, and the cooperation of a few colleagues to make the riot seem spontaneous.

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In other words, those who incite riots today use the same tactics that the scribes and Pharisees used in Jesus' day.

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People caught up in the fever of the moment don't realize that they are being used.

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They have been manipulated into believing they are making a righteous point by pillaging and indiscriminately destroying the property of others.

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Social pressure is a powerful motivator, and when everyone around us is inflamed with fury, shouting opinions and slogans, demanding change, it's easy to be swept along with the crowd.

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It would be interesting to know how many of those who demanded Jesus' crucifixion later regretted it when passions cooled.

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We have one glimpse into a possible change of heart in Luke 23, verse 47.

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A centurion who had helped with Jesus' crucifixion suddenly realized what he had done and said surely this was a righteous man.

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Rioting is a form of lawlessness, which the Bible condemns, 1 John 3, verse 4.

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Even if the rioters are seeking to advance a just cause, they are going about it in a sinful way.

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As the city clerk of Ephesus reminded the rioters in his city, the courts are open and there are proconsuls.

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If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly

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Acts 19, verses 38 -39. To be lawless is to consider oneself an exception to the law or to act as though there were no law.

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The lawless think rules don't apply to them, and they become a law unto themselves.

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That's what happens in a riot. Even normally law -abiding people can become inflamed with fury and self -righteousness and decide that their cause is worth breaking legal, moral, and ethical laws.

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They may destroy property, hinder transportation, harm innocent bystanders, and tie up law enforcement personnel who could be spending their time on more worthy pursuits.

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Rioters place themselves and their leaders above the law, and that is sin. Romans 13, verses 1 and 2.

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Anger, especially when motivated by vengeance or spread by self -seeking rabble -rousers, is never a trustworthy guide.

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James 1, verse 20. Those who allow themselves to be controlled by it may become foolish participants in ungodly riots.

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And check out the details section below this video, there you'll find one book I recommend, along with links to several related questions.

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