14Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things."
16So he had them ejected from the court. 17Then they all turned on Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever.
Unity is important,
but not for the wrong reason,
and not as important as doing the will of God.
The accusing Jews brought Paul to the governor of the entire province of Achaia, of which Corinth was the capital. An adverse ruling by a powerful man like Gallio would set a precedent for all other Roman provinces. The legal and political significance of this event cannot be overemphasized!
v.14Paul was about to dispute the charges and verbalize how ridiculous the charges were & prepared to preach the gospel to Gallio himself, BUT Gallio spoke first to the Jews. This was one of the few times that his enemies were face to face with an honest Roman official whom they could not intimidate.
v. 16 Imagine the shocked surprised the Jews were as Gallio ordered his officers to clear the court!!! Sounds like a Judge Judy episode gone terribly wrong and folks were EJECTED!
v.17Brotherly kindness was absent when the Jews took their brother, the leader of the synagogue and beat him because he had been their ineffective spokesman in bringing charges against Paul.
Justice for Paul prevailed, where as the Jews who had plotted to punish Paul were in fact punished themselves!! God kept His promise that no harm would come to Paul in Corinth.
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