Acts 18:12–17 (ESV)
Paul in Corinth
12
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio
said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge
of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal. 17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.
Who is this Gallio dude? Well, he is an historical figure that help date this event. The Nelson Study Bible states: “In the spring of a.d. 52, a proconsul named Gallio was appointed by the Roman senate to govern the province
of Achaia (Greece). Gallio was a brother of the famous stoic philosopher Seneca, who possessed great influence in Rome. The Jewish leaders thought they would take advantage of the new governor and rid themselves of Paul and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bringing
Paul before the judgment seat of the governor was a momentous event. If the Roman governor ruled Christianity illegal, it would set a precedent and encourage immediate persecution of all Christians. Paul did not even have to open his mouth to defend
the faith. God had already provided for Paul’s defense; he had prepared Gallio to make the correct decision. No crime had been committed against Rome. Gallio considered Christianity to be a Jewish sect. Because Judaism was an established religion in
the Roman Empire, this “sect” was not in violation of Roman law. Gallio had his bailiffs drive the accusers out of his presence. Once again the sovereign hand of God preserved the life of His faithful servant.” Chalk one up for God!
I pray: “O Lord, we often try to solve problems ourselves and we get in your way. Help us to work with you instead of against you. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done. Amen.