Acts 18:12-18
12 But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat,
13 saying, “This man is inciting the 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 some crime or vicious, unscrupulous act, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you;
15 but if there are questions about teaching and persons and your own law, see to it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters.”
16 And he drove them away from the judgment seat.
17 But they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. And yet Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.
18 Now Paul, when he had remained many days longer, took leave of the brothers and sisters and sailed away to Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. Paul first had his hair cut at Cenchrea, for he was keeping a vow.
Corinthian Evangelism (8)
Proconsul Gallio
“But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.” The proconsul Gallio came from a distinguished family. (1) Seneca the Elder (Marcus Annaeus Seneca), a rhetorician, had three sons: (a) Lucius Annaeus Novatus. He was adopted by the rhetorician Lucius Junius Gallio and later became known as Lucius Junius Annaeus Gallio. The Gallio mentioned in Acts 18:12 is this individual. (b) Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) was a Stoic philosopher and became the tutor of Nero. He wielded significant influence in Rome. (c) Annaeus Mela. (2) The Gallio mentioned in this passage is the first son of Seneca the Elder and the older brother of Seneca the Younger. (a) Gallio was highly regarded as a kind and amiable person. (b) His younger brother, Seneca the Younger, praised him, stating that there is no one as delightful as Gallio. (3) Gallio served as the proconsul of Achaia. (a) His term is believed to have been from AD 51 to 52, though he resigned early due to illness. (b) This trial likely took place toward the end of AD 51, providing a key reference point for determining the absolute chronology of Paul’s activities. (c) Both Gallio and Seneca the Younger were executed by Nero in AD 65.
Accusation of the Jews
The Jews likely thought that the arrival of a new proconsul increased their chances of a favorable verdict. (1) They brought Paul to the court. The word translated as “the judgment seat” in Greek is “beima.” It was an elevated platform built in the center of the agora (marketplace), from which verdicts were pronounced. The general public was allowed to observe court proceedings from this location. (2) The Jews accused Paul, saying, “This man is inciting the people to worship God contrary to the law.” (a) Judaism was a recognized religion under Roman law. (b) Jews were permitted to proselytize other Jews but were prohibited from evangelizing Roman citizens (c) The accusation was that Paul was promoting an unapproved religion to Roman citizens. Similar accusations were made in Philippi and Thessalonica (ref. Acts 16:20-21, 17:6-7). The outcome of the trial will be examined next time, but the lesson here is that God can turn trials into blessings. Trials are opportunities for God to work. Let us continue to trust in God, no matter the circumstances.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, You are the One who can turn trials into blessings. I trust in You in every circumstance. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.