For they supposed.

Acts 21:27-30, When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.

Just as the crowds cried out “Crucify him” at the Lord Jesus, they now cry out “Away with him!” against Paul, supposing that they know what actually happened. The entire charge is imagined, for Paul was very respectful of their customs and he is falsely accused right from the start. Even when evil is done, God is able to use it for his purposes, as Joseph recognized in forgiving his brothers: “You intended it for evil, but God used it for good.” Even so, we are held accountable for ever word, and that does not give us an excuse to fall into this trap of supposing that we know!

Give us discernment, to be slow to speak and quick to listen that we are able to do your will in all situations.

ESV Lectionary