(Thread) The Bible mentions a few riots, none of them favorably. Paul was the victim of rioters on several occasions (2 Corinthians 6:5; Acts 17:5; 19:23–41). 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. The fact that most of the Ephesian rioters “did not even know why they were there” says volumes about the mob mentality (Acts 19:32).

The most infamous riot in the Bible occurred during Jesus’ trial before Pilate. The governor had found no fault in Him (Luke 23:4; John 19:4). However, the chief scribes and religious leaders were determined to kill Jesus, so they stirred up the crowd (Matthew 27:20; Mark 15:11).

Here we have a clue as to the nature of most riots. Many of those in the crowd had seen Jesus’ miracles, heard Him teaching in their synagogues, and may have even been healed by Him. Yet, under the influence of impassioned leaders, they quickly turned against Him.

The same people who had shouted “Hosanna! Hosanna!” only days before (Mark 11:9–10) now shouted, “Crucify Him!” (Mark 15:13–14)

Most riots begin with an instigator, someone with an agenda. 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.

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.

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

People caught up in the fervor of the moment don’t realize they are being used. They have been manipulated into believing they are making a righteous point by pillaging and indiscriminately destroying the property of others.

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

Rioting is a form of lawlessness, which the Bible condemns (1 John 3:4). Even if the rioters are seeking to advance a just cause, they are going about it in a sinful way.

As the city clerk of Ephesus reminded the rioters in his city, “The courts are open and there are proconsuls. . . . If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly” (Acts 19:38–39).