WEDNESDAY September 20, 2023

A Unified Attack

When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the seat, saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
Acts 18:12-13

It has been recorded by Seneca, a famous writer and stoic philosopher, that Gallio, his brother, was one of the nicest people you would ever want to know. As a Roman senator, Gallio governed from 51 AD –52 AD. For a short time, he became the proconsul of Achaia––a province of the Roman Empire. This beautiful area was free from military men and any Roman legions, which consisted of 3,000-6,000 units of men. It was a much sought after position because it was a desirable place for any senator to govern.

Interestingly, four artifact fragments, when they were placed together, became known as the “Gallio Inscription.” They had these interesting words written on them: “to Lucius Junius Gallio, my friend, and the proconsul of Achaia.” This historical find confirmed that Gallio was the proconsul of Achaia at the same time Paul visited Corinth in 51 AD.

Once again, the seat mentioned was the original place where Paul preached the Gospel message in Corinth. The Jews brought Paul before Gallio at the exact same place––the Judgment Seat or the Bema. As he stood at this place, Gallio heard the false charges brought against Paul. The Jews were bent on coming against him. They used the Law as a means to entrap him. As a Pharisee, Paul knew the Law very well. In fact, in Matthew 5:17, Jesus said of Himself: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

Paul had done nothing wrong. Despite the persecution, he had perfect peace. God had promised to be with him; Paul had nothing to fear. Gallio knew the Jews had ill intentions toward Paul, but he would not be swayed. Are you a person who is easily swayed by people in corrupt media, by liberal politicians, or religious people who do not really know Christ? Jesus was not swayed by people, so neither should we be (Matthew 22:16 NIV).

A sense of perfect peace with God is the grandest thing in all the world with which to travel through life.
~Charles Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!